THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE
LIBRARY.
THE
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE
LIBRARY:
BEING
A CLASSIFIED COLLECTION OF THE CHIEF CONTENTS OF
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE FROM 1731 TO 1868.
KDITKU l!y
GEORGE LAURENCE GOMME, F.S.A.
MANNERS AND CUSTOMS.
LONDON :
ELLIOT STOCK, 62, PATERNOSTER ROW, E.G.
1883.
qo
v.l
INTROD UCTION.
THE present volume (as it successors will be) is something more
than a mere volume of selections. It aims at reproducing
from the old Gentleman's Magazine all that is really of value on the
subject of which it treats — manners and customs. This, perhaps, is
hardly the place to expatiate on the value and interest of the world-
known journal we are now dealing with ; and it is, moreover, not at
all necessary. Everybody knows the Gentleman's Magazine — knows
it and values it. The idea of printing selections from it was first
suggested by Gibbon, the historian, in a letter dated from Lausanne,
Feb. 24, 1792, and printed in the January number of 1794, pp. 5, 6.
The paragraph is as follows : " I am tempted to embrace this oppor-
tunity of suggesting to you the ideas of a work which must be surely
well received by the public, and would rather tend to benefit than to
injure the proprietors of the Gentleman's Magazine. That voluminous
series of more than threescore years now contains a great number of
literary, historical, and miscellaneous articles of real value ; they are
at present buried in a heap of temporary rubbish ; but if properly
chosen and classed they might revive to great advantage in a new
publication of moderate size."
And again, in 1799 (Part "•• P- 754)> a correspondent, V., suggests
a similar undertaking.
Dr. J. Walker, in 1809, first acted upon this hint, and issued four
volumes, 8vo., of A Selection of Curious Articles from the Gentleman's
Magazine. But the great drawback of these volumes is that they
contain " selections " only — there is no idea of " collection," and the
reader is therefore at the mercy of the taste and discrimination of
the editor ; and hence, when the selections are all read, there is
vi Introduction.
nothing to satisfy the student ; he has still to search up and down
through the 224 volumes of the original
Acting upon Gibbon's suggestion to " choose and class," I have
attempted in the present reprint to gather together all that is to be
found in the Gen&ttaeat's Magazine upon any given subject. This
has its disadvantages, I am well aware. The old writers were hope-
lessly unscientific, and it is necessary to caution readers against the
too ready acceptance of comparisons, derivations, and theoretical
accounts of the origin of customs or objects of antiquities. But still,
irrespective of these faults, there is the value and interest of a mine of
wealth which is, on the whole, unequalled. The old Gentlemarts
Magazine was the receptacle of the current news and observations of
the day, just as Notes and Queries or the Times is now, and hence
we find enshrined in these pages facts which would have otherwise
been irretrievably lost In every case I have sought as far as possible
to keep to the original spelling, the original phraseology and thoughts,
and I have as little as possible mutilated or split up any of the com-
munications. They stand in these pages as they stand in the
original.* They do not pretend to give to the antiquary or to the folk-
lorist of to-day a scientific exposition of manners and customs ; but
they do pretend, nay, they claim as of right, to give what the antiquary
and folklorist of to-day cannot obtain elsewhere, namely, a vast
quantity of material collected from sources which are now no longer
available. If the general reader will therefore avoid adopting the
theoretical errors these writers of old have sometimes fallen into, and
will look upon what is here offered to him as simply what it is—
unworked and raw material — there will be every reason to hope that
this volume and its companions may be found of the utmost service
to antiquarian studies.
I have not thought it necessary to add many notes to the text. If
once I had begun to annotate as fully as might well be done, even
from the works published by the Folklore Society, the book might
have been increased to almost double its size ; and I have therefore
contented myself with giving just such information as served to supply
what the text may have left out, or which was necessary to its proper
* The usefulness of this is well illustrated by the many peculiar expressions used
l>y the older writers, as, for instance, on page 62, where the writer says, "We
answered them with such sinctrit}', / shall ha-M a foist in my hat as lone; as it
lasts."
Introduction. vii
understanding. I have carefully checked the classical and other
quotations as far as possible, and added such bibliographical informa-
tion as seemed necessary to the right understanding of the references.
All such additions as have thus been made are inserted between
square brackets to distinguish them from the original text In the
articles on London Pageants I have substituted the page of this
volume for the page of the Magazine in those cases where reference is
made by Mr. Nichols to preceding articles throughout the series.
This will facilitate reference.
The present volume will be found to contain a considerable amount
of information on the manners and customs of our forefathers which
has not been made use of by the authors of books on this subject.
Although, of course, it does not pretend to be exhaustive in any sub-
ject, there is sufficient to give a very definite conception of many of
the habits and ways of those who have gone before us, and in the
arrangement of the material one of the chief objects has been to
make this as clearly shown as possible.
i. Social Manners and Customs.
The group of extracts which fall under the heading of social
manners and customs may be thus divided :
Customs of a certain Period.
Miscellaneous Customs connected with certain Localities.
Agricultural and Land Customs.
Marriage Customs.
Funeral Customs.
Birth Customs.
Pageants.
Feasts, etc.
Miscellaneous Customs. — These, to a considerable extent, speak for
themselves, and will be found of great interest. The first three items
relate to the manners and customs of a late period of English history,
and among the higher classes. When \ve come to the succeeding
items, we find several very important contributions to folklore. The
viii Introduction.
Scottish wedding is clearly a survival of the primitive bride-capture
ceremony, which Mr. McLennan has worked out. The washing
of feet at marriages is curious, and has been alluded to in Napier's
Folklore of West of Scotland, p. 47, Gregor's Folklore of North East of
Scotland, pp. 89-90, and my own Folklore Relics of Early Village Life.
The manners and customs of Herefordshire constitute a very accept-
able addition to our local collections of folklore, because there does
not appear to have been anything very comprehensive collected
from this county. The objection to the borrowing of fire on Christ-
mas-day leads us into the widespread cult of fire-worship. The
writer's comparison with classical customs must not of course carry
with it the inference that the English custom is derived from the
classical, for both come from a common Aryan home. The assem-
blies on tumuli for the purpose of holding " anniversary honours and
sports " are no doubt survivals from ancient times, when the tumulus
was very often the centre and scene of large congregations of villagers
assembled for the purpose of paying honours to the dead chieftains
of their tribe, or for the purpose of carrying on the political functions
of the community. I have touched upon this latter subject in my
work on Primitive Folkmoots. In the paper on the customs of the
Forest of Dean it will be observed that we meet with the same notion
that fire must not be taken out of the house on Christmas-day,
already alluded to above ; and the statement as to the wonderful
tales related of wizards and the like explain to the folklorist of to-day
that the peasantry of England have only recently lost, even if that is,
alas ! the fact, the traditions we should have gladly welcomed.
Agricultural and Land Customs. — Passing over the shepherds'
customs as being rather curious than important, the reaping and
harvesting customs in Devonshire clearly take us back to the
primitive village communities, when neighbours were co-sharers in
the toil and in the harvest Bit by bit the community of living has
given way before individual ownership and enterprise, but it has left
among the village " manners and customs " traces, such as we have
here, which show that neighbours, now helping according to custom,
once helped as of right in the common interests of the village. The
paper on Landmarks and Boundaries leads up to a very wide and
important subject not yet fully dealt with, but reference may be made
to Sir Henry Maine's Viila^e Lummunitits ix thi Last and West, and
Introduction . ix
to my Primitive Folkmoots, for the outlines of the subject The
Ducking Stool and Parish Stocks are two village institutions which
have received much elucidation.
Marriage Customs. — The collection of marriage customs is very
instructive. Commencing with a notice of the rubric of the marriage
ceremony, a subject which requires critical and comprehensive treat-
ment, we come upon evidence in Ireland of what has already been
noticed in Scotland, of the ancient and significant ceremony of bride
capture. The next article on the Irish wedding gives some impor-
tant evidence on the group-origin of marriage customs which I have
attempted to work out in my Folklore Relics of Early Village Life
— the women retaining their maiden names and changing their
husbands (if they wish) every year. This is clearly the community of
wives which is to be noted among very early races, and which has
lasted down, in some modified shapes, to the borders of civilization.
The Cardigan Weddings, the Bidding Wedding, the Bridewain
in Scotland, are all contributions to that evidence of the archaic
village marriage which I have collected together in my book as above
mentioned.
Pageants. — This division is one of the most important in the
volume. Mr. Nichols's papers are the best bibliographical informa-
tion which we have upon the subject, and they deserve a considerable
amount of attention. Quite apart from the literary value of these
pageants, there is the municipal and dramatic value to consider, two
aspects which have not yet been dealt with as the subject deserves.
Absurd and far-fetched as many of these pageants must inevitably be,
considered from a literary point of view, a study of them would reveal
many curious facts connected with the old municipal life of London,
and facts, too, which are not to be obtained from official records and
documents. And when it is considered that the dramatic instincts of
our nation began in these popular displays, it is not a little important
to note the progress of municipal pageants, and its bearing upon the
history of the legitimate drama. Mr. Fairholt has done a great deal
towards eliminating the history of this curious subject in his volume
of London Pageants, published by the Percy Society ; but he has not
done all that there is to do. The papers here collected by Mr.
Nichols, besides their bibliographical value, telling us something about
Dekker and Taylor, the water-poet, who, at all events, have a recog-
x Introduction.
nised rank in literature, will enable the student of municipal life and
customs, and more especially of London municipal life, to go at once
to a source of information which is as rich as it is unworked.
ii. Local Customs.
The position of purely local customs in the science of folklore has
never been properly recognised. A custom once prevalent through-
out a nation or a tribal settlement may die out gradually until it is
represented only in a few isolated places, or, it may be, in a single
place. Still, this meagre representation is of importance. It is the
only clue to the archaic original In another way, local customs
present to the student variants of customs in their process of develop-
ment under the surrounding influences of civilization ; and a proper
study of the forms of variation will teach us to look for, and will en-
able us to measure the scope of change in, the variations of other
branches of folklore which do not possess any intermediate connect-
ing links between the primitive form and the civilized form. I have
arranged this group, however, topographically, and not according to
the folklore value of each item, because this arrangement is best
suited to a partial collection of subjects such as can only be presented
here. I have added references to Mr. Hazlitt's edition of Blounfs
Tenures of Land. In the cases where he has not consulted the
authority here printed, I append a note to that effect, but when a
simple reference is made it is to indicate that the passage has been
entirely used by Mr. Hazlitt I may mention that it is not generally
known that the curious and well-known custom of the Dunmow
Flitch of Bacon is also extant at Wichnor, a fact which points to a
more remote origin than mediaeval manorial law.
iii. Games.
Although Strutt in his Sports and Pastimes has so handled Games
as to make the subject specially his own, I think the examples here
brought together will indicate that there is much more yet to be done
before it can be said that the popular games of our island home have
been gathered together in one record. Much historical evidence may
be hidden in a children's game ; and games indicate, too, the inclina-
Introduction. xi
tions and ideas of a nation in a manner which is remarkable. Mr.
Halliwell-Phillips' Nursery Rhymes and Tales of England, and Dr.
Robert Chambers' Popular Rhymes of Scotland, give much information
on the subject, but it will be found that the collection here got
together from the Gentleman's Magazine forms a not inconsiderable
addition to these authorities. The articles on the Beechen Roundels
are a valuable jgontribution to the history of a curious and interesting
game.
Many of the contributors write under an initial or nom de plume, but
the present volume preserves the names of W. Aldis, T. Barritt, W.
Bunce, John Carey, John Coleridge, J. Faulkner, M. Green, W.
Hamper, S. Hawthorn, J. Holmes, Eu. Hood, H. Lemoine, J.
MacDonald, J. P. Malcolm, J. Martin, J. E. B. Mayor, W. A. Miles,
L. Morris, J. Nichols, G. Oliver, Samuel Pegge, R. W. Unett, W. R.
Whatton, and W. S. Wickenden. Mr. John Nichols, the founder of
the celebrated printing house which is still extant, was born in 1744,
and died in 1816. He edited the Gentleman's Magazine from 1778
to his death, and his works are well known to antiquaries. Dr.
Samuel Pegge, under the anagramatic name ' Paul Gemsage,' was a
constant contributor. Born in 1704 and dying in 1796, he lived to
do a considerable amount of antiquarian work, and besides his pub-
lished books he wrote many papers for Archtsologia. J. P. Malcolm,
writing in 1796, was no doubt the author of The Ancient History of
London, in 4 vols., 4to, 1802-7, and of Anecdotes of the Manners and
Customs of London, Miscellaneous Anecdotes, and Lives of the Topo-
graphers. W. Hamper was F.R.S. and wrote The Life of Dugdale.
He lived 1776-1831. Lewis Morris was a celebrated Welsh antiquary,
1702-1765. J. MacDonald is probably the F.R.S., the only son of
the celebrated Flora MacDonald, 1759-1831. He served the East
India Company and returned to England in 1800. He is chiefly
known by his Treatise on Telegraphic Communication. When we
come to Professor J. E. B. Mayor's name we touch upon modern
times and living men ; this is not the place to speak of Professor
Mayor's services to literature and to the student world of Cambridge.
It only remains for me to say one word of hope and one of thanks.
I hope that the pleasure and profit of this volume will be the same to
xii Introduction.
those who read it as it has been to me in compiling it, and that its
faults may be overlooked from a consideration of the magnitude of
the task which it represents. And this leads me to say that I ought
not to go on working without acknowledging the constant and never-
flagging assistance of my wife, whose labours with me intensify all the
pleasures of my book-life.
G. L. GOMME.
CASTELNAU, BARNES, S.W.
October, 1883.
CONTENTS.
FAOB
INTRODUCTION - v
SOCIAL MANNERS AND CUSTOMS:
Manners and Customs in England in 1697 - i
Remarks on Ancient Manners, collected by Dr. Lort - 6
Observations on Ancient Manners - - * 8
Odd Customs, Antient and Modern - -9
Mistakes of French Writers upon English Customs and Manners 10
Modern Manners in London - -13
Cries of LondonX • 13
Some Account of Scotland and the Manners of the Inhabitants - 15
Manners and Customs of Herefordshire - - 16
Popular Customs and Superstitions in Herefordshire - 20
Old Christmas Customs and Popular Superstitions of Lincolnshire - 28
Customs of the Forest of Dean - '34
Village Customs at Scopwick, Lincolnshire - 36
Village Customs at Clee, Lancashire - - 37
Parish Feasts : or Country Wakes - - 39
On the Resemblance between the Welch and Grecian Customs 42
Shepherds' Customs - 43
Harvest Customs in Devonshire - 45
Custom of Shot Corn 46
On Ancient Landmarks and Boundaries - - 47
Beating of Bounds — The Ducking Stool - -51
Parish Stocks - 53
Betrothal Ceremony - - -54
Rubrick of Marriage Service - 54
Marriage Customs - - 57
Proxy-Wedded - 68
Cornutes - - 69
Funeral Customs - - 69
Burial Garlands - - 70
Casting of Stones on Grave Mounds • -72
xiv Contents.
SOCIAL MANNKRS AND CCSTOMS (continued):
Women " Taking their Rights " before Chil.lbirth - - 73
Birth of a Grand-child - 76
Penance for Bastard Children - 76
Lord of Misrule - - 77
Master of the Revels 78
Holly Boy and Ivy Girl - 78
The Morris Dance in Wales - - 79
Corpus Christ! Gild So
The Burlesque Festivals of Former Ages 83
London Pageants - 103
On the Holiday Times of Old - 1 53
Stage Plays in Churches 156
Drinking Bumpers - 157
Feasting upon Live Flesh • 1 59
Hunting Customs - - 159
Custom of Barring-out 164
Highland Custom - 173
Taking Oaths 174
Crossing the Equator - 178
Lamb's- Wool and other Customs - iSo
Drinkings at Church-Stiles - - 181
Pins Found in Coffins 181
LOCAL CUSTOMS . . - 185
GAMES:
Sports on Sundays - 245
Plays and Pastimes of Children - 246
Ancient Greek Game - - - 248
Golf . 250
Bear-baiting - - 251
Closing - 251
Curling . 253
Fox in the Hole - .... 254
Dominoes - .... 255
Skittles - ..... 255
Top-Castle . - 256
Whipping the Cat - - 2,8
Beechen Roundels , . - 2 -,9
NOTES . . 2!<3
INDEX . 202
Social Manners and Customs.
SOCIAL MANNERS AND CUSTOMS.
Manners and Customs in England in 1697.
[1811, Part //.,//. 627-630.] .«."
I HAVE been much pleased with a small volume printed at the
Hague in 1698 in French, " Memoires et Observations faites par
un Voyageur en Angleterre sur ce qu'il y a trouve de plus remar-
quable, tant a I'e'gard de la Religion, que de Politique, des Moeurs, des
Curiositez Naturelles, et quantitez de facts Historiques ; Avec une
description de ce qu'il y a de plus curieux dans Londres : le tout
enrichi de figures ;" dedicated A Monsieur L. B. D. R. by H. M. de
y—, London, September 12, 1697 : with 21 plates, the Milk-maid's
Garland the ist of May ; Quakers' Meeting ; two curious Beasts in
the Gresham collection; and 18 plates of Public Buildings, Statues,
Plans, &c., &c. [See Note i.]
Whether this lively and well-informed foreigner (who appears to
have been in this country during the reigns of James II. and William
III.) has ever received the notice that his great information, his
unbounded liberality of mind, and a happy pleasantry in his remarks,
entitle him to, I do not know ; but shall be glad if any of your corre-
spondents can inform me.
He has formed his work on the plan of a Dictionary, with notes of
our crimes, weaknesses, laws, libraries, customs, changes, colleges,
clergy, cities, courtezans, courts, characters, excesses, exercises, facts,
feasts, fleets, fairs, forests, funerals, fruits, gazettes, hospitals, games,
merchandizes, miracles, monies, manners, religion, revenue, revolu-
tions, sects, societies, tortures, treason, Tiburn, &c., &c.
As I do not know that this Author, who has so pleasantly analysed
our customs and laughed at our rough edges, or his Dictionary, has
ever been quoted, a few of those customs, characters, and sects, as
they appeared to him at that period, are here extracted.
Social Manners and Customs.
" CORNES. — I have oftentimes met in the streets of London a
Woman carrying a male effigy crowned with a handsome pair of
horns, preceded by a tambourine, and followed by a mob with tongs,
poker, &c. I have asked what could be the meaning of this ; they
have told me, that such a woman of such a place has given her
husband a good threshing, because he had accused her of making
him a Cuckold ; and in this case some good neighbour of the poor
calomniee has according to custom performed this little ceremony."
" CORONELLI, Father.- — I shall say nothing of the globes of Father
Coronelli ; for why disturb a good man ? This learned Religieuse has
informed us in his relations, that the Huzza, or Houraye, that is the
cry of acclamation of the populace of London, comes from the
Hebrew word Hosanna. What a charming thing it is to be learned
in Etymologies !"
"COURTEZANS. — Thirty-three or four years ago, Monsieur Mon-
conys wrote, in his relation of a journey into England, that he had
passed one of the streets of London, which was entirely filled by
courtezans. At present it is quite changed; for these ladies are
•fcpread equally over every part of the town."
" CHARLES II. — A good Prince, a man of wit, curious in inven-
tions, in mechanical and physical experiments, &c.; a pensioner to
France, and a Catholic of the grossest grain, tired with fatigue of
business, and consequently soft, peaceable, affable, and popular ; a
great lover of women .and idleness, in preference to Dunkirk, Eng-
land, or all the Crowns in the whole world."
" COURTS. — The article of Courts being so very much extended,
whether ecclesiastical, civil, or criminal, and so thorny and disagree-
able a labyrinth, I shall beg leave to decline entering unless en
passant, and on particular occasion."
" BATH, Somersetshire." — After a description of the City, he ob-
serves, " The Cathedral is both handsome and light. The Count de
Roye is buried with this epitaph :
" ' Fredericus de Roye de la Rochefoucault, comes de Roye, de
Rouci, et Liffort, nobilis ordinis Elephantini eques, natalibus, opibus,
gloria militari, et, quod majus est, fide erga Religionem inclytus,
decessit die 9 Juin, anno 1690, setatis 57.'
"Fides erga Religionem is to me a new language."
" BEDLAM. — An obscure and antient hospital, and, falling into
ruins, was rebuilt at the expence of the City of London, between the
month of April 1675 ar»d the month of July 1676. An English
writer states that this edifice cost i8,ooo/. sterling, which amounts to
near 240,000 francs of our money. It is pleasantly situated, with
agreeable promenades. All the madmen of London are not confined
there."
" COLLECTION FOR IMPROVEMENT. — It is not long since a private
gentleman, named Jean Houghton, an intriguing, gentlemanlike man,
Manners and Customs in England in 1697. 3
printed every week a paper in folio, intituled 'Collections for the
purpose of facilitating Commerce and Domestic (Economy ;' where
may be found the price courant of every article in the kingdom;
bread, cheese, grain, coals, hay, silk, cloth, linen, beer, cheese,
candles, salt, soap, oil, malt, all kinds of meat, wine, beer, brandies,
and all other liquors ; in short, every thing of common use, and all
sorts of merchandize : the courses of Exchange, the preferments of
the Clergy, all kinds of employments, and every thing that is to be
bought or sold, whether houses, land of all prices and of all parts
of the kingdom, valets, apprentices, workmen, nurses, servants of all
sexes and degrees, curiosities, books, pictures, porcelaine, coaches,
furniture. And he inserts public advertisements of all kinds ; an
abridgement of the Gazette, lists of new books, and a thousand other
useful things. This paper is to be found in the coffee-houses, and is
consequently to be read gratis." [See Note 2.]
"VACHES — Cows. — I understand all sorts of horned cattle are
more commonly Black than Red in England ; it is for that reason
they esteem the milk of the Red Cow in preference to the Black ;
whereas in France they esteem the milk of the Black Cow, because
the Red are the most common. Our cattle in France have horns,
so crooked, ugly, and ill-made, the one threatening the heavens and
the other the earth, like Don Quixote's whiskers. In England it is
quite the contrary. Otherwise the cattle in France do not yield,
either in strength or size, to those in England, particularly in Poitou
and Normandy. From whence arises this grandeur, this beauty, and
this symmetry of horns in England ? A vous Messieurs les Philo-
sophes."
"JAMES II. — James the Second received letters from Nieuport,
which exaggerated the account of the check that had happened to
the fleet of William of Orange, and which gave so much joy and
rekindled the Popish insolence at Whitehall, 3oth October, 1688.
I was present when James the Second received these letters ; and
during dinner he only made use of one of his hands, the other hold-
ing the just-received letters from Nieuport. Among other things, he
said laughing to Monsieur Barillon, ambassador from France, ' See
there,' pointing to the weathercock, ' see there ; the wind has turned
to the Papist point ;' and he added in a more serious tone, and
raising his voice a little, ' You know that for the last three days I
have caused the Holy Sacrament to be exposed.' On the iyth De-
cember, 1688, he found it convenient to abscond a second time.
" ' Qui terret, plus ipse timet. Sors ista tyrannis."— CLAUDI AN [viii. 290].
" ' Celui qui la principaute
Tiendra par grand cruaute
A la fin verra grande phalange
Par coup de feu tres-dangereux
Par accord pourra faire mieux
Autrement boira Sue d'Orange.' — NOSTRADAMUS."
I '2
Social Manners and Customs.
I shall conclude these Extracts by inserting his picture of Quaker-
ism, and other Sects of his day :
"QUACRES. — Quakers are the greatest fanaticks; yet they seem
to be in some respects praiseworthy : they are plain, easy, in every
respect sober, modest, and peaceable : they have the reputation of
being faithful ; and that, I believe, is often true ; but you must not
be deceived, for under this exterior they sometimes are quite the con-
trary. With respect to their doctrine, they have not any : 'tis wrong
that Alexander Ross, in his book of all the Religions in the world
[1696], accuses them of Atheism; on the other hand, [R.] Barclay,
who has undertaken their Apology, has given them the character of
the best Theologists in Christendom. It is neither necessary to speak
either for or against them, otherwise than as treating them as a set
of people that are outrageously mad, as having no other principle or
guide than their visionary spirit, neither knowing positively what
they believe, nor what they say, nor what they may believe or say
to-morrow.
" This I am obliged to conclude, after having read the greatest
part of their extravagant writings, and had many conferences among
them. It is one of the greatest of all impossibilities to enter into
any sort of connected reasoning. Are they pressed with our objec-
tions? their spirit — within — and the dark and gross wickedness of
our spirit — as they call it, are two back-doors by which they always
escape ; or rather two bucklers, which are always in perpetual hos-
tility, and oblige us to quit the field. What more can we do?
Reduced to the utmost extremity, they tell you with the most inso-
lent zeal, it is not their business to teach us. ' We have the light of
the spirit within our hearts, and all thy thoughts are dark and wicked"
Thus are you discomfited, and reduced to silence. Truly there is a
great deal of folly among them.
" Some among them have been humanized a little with regard to
their salutation : they do not take off the hat (God keep them from
committing this horrible mistake !) but they begin to bend a little,
and give a small inclination of the head It is true that all among
them do not approve this novelty : there are others who think it a
species of heresy, as bringing a sort of scandal upon them. And
they would almost as soon oblige one of their sect to preach in a
surplice. Not a Quakeress that I or ten thousand others know, ever
show the least civility to any body. The Women sometimes preach
in their Meetings, but less seldom than the Men. There is a Meet-
ing in a village near London; and the mere common-place, which is
all they are judges of, is directed against the Fashions and other
ornaments and dress of women.
" In order to hear a lecture in perfection, it is but necessary to
introduce a few Ladies. The moment the Prechevse perceives a
ribbon, her spirit and her fury catch fire ; and, mounting on a tub
Manners and Customs in England in 1697. 5
turned upside down, with her pointed bonnet and crying face, she
begins to sigh, tremble, murmur, quake, and snuffle, and break out
into downright nonsense."
" RELIGION. — Alexander Ross, whom I have already mentioned,
a good man for what I know, but bad author, gives us a dreadful list
of the Concubines0 of Religion in England — Antinomians, Heder-
ingtonians. Theaurians, Johannistes, Seekers, Waiters, Brownists,
Reevistes, Barronistes, Wilkinsonians, Adamites, Familistes, Ranters,
Muggletonians, &c., &c., &c. These are all but one and the same
thing. Christianity is sufficiently weakened by sects, without mul-
tiplying them chimerically. It is true we have had madmen, and
other such people as Muggleton, Wilkinson, and Hederington, who
have spread such fantastic opinions, but have not had the power of
forming them into sects. Like clouds, they have been dissipated.
Besides the Established Religion, which is that of the Church of
England, there are a great number of others. The Presbyterian is
the principal, and the most general after the Episcopal. What a
deplorable thing it is that these two Societies cannot agree in the
same purity of belief, and the same confession of faith ! The Inde-
pendents are another branch of Presbyterianism ; but they are united.
Arminianism (is it thus that the propositions of Arminius ought to
give the odious name to a sect ?) is spread generally, and conse-
quently into the English Church. There are also Millenarians here
and there ; but there is one Society, which makes but little noise,
but is nevertheless known under the title of Sabbatharians, who
profess to wait the term of one thousand years, without partaking
any other opinion than what is attributed to the antient Millenarians.
These Sabbatharians are also named, because they do not defer the
repose of Saturday to Sunday : they leave work on Friday evening
early, and are rigid observers of the Sabbath. They only administer
Baptism to Adults. They are not, perhaps, so blameable in these
two things, as in what they consider more important, that really is
not so. The greater part among them neither eat pork, blood, nor
any kind of meat stuffed ; but they do not absolutely deny the use
of those viands to others : they leave that to the liberty of each con-
science : for the rest, their moral is severe, and all their exterior con-
duct is pious and Christian. When any one is not of their opinion,
or rather their belief, touching the absolute necessity of sanctifying
Saturday as the day of rest, without any regard to the day following,
which with them is the first day of the week, and which we call
Sunday, with the author of the Apocalypse, it follows of course they
must be wrong in part.
"England has also Anabaptists of divers sorts, Quakers, and
Papists, who are just the reverse of the peaceable humour of the
* " Cantique des Cantiques," verse 8, chap. 6.
Social Manners and Customs.
Quakers, who are here, as in all times and all countries, revengeful,
complaining, threatening, and gnashing their teeth, always in action,
always murmuring, and always plotting, where they have not power.
And what would they do, could they establish their inquisition
against us, as they have around us? Then, no Religion without
absolute power ! without universal tyranny !
" ' Pone vesanos, precor,
Animi tumores, teque pietate refer.' — SEN. in Theb."
"A few weeks ago, a new Sect has arisen, of soi-disans Mystic
Theologists, who call themselves Philadelphians, who proclaim their
society the very seed or germ of the only true Church, the betrothed
Virgin of Jesus Christ, to which all the dispersed Religions of the
World will appear and unite, to form this pure and holy Church.
The general opinion is, they are a sort of Quakers ; and not without
reason, although, by the writings they are about to publish, public
judgment seems to differ : in truth, these writings, like those of the
Quakers, and all other enthusiasts that I know, are composed of all
that is obscure, and as obscurely announced."
Yours, &c. F. A.
Remarks on Ancient Manners, Collected by Dr. Lort.
[1812, Parti., pp. 313-314.]
I have no doubt but you will readily admit the following detached
Remarks on Ancient Manners when informed that they were selected
by the late Rev. Dr. Lort.
Yours, &c. M. GREEN.
" John Falcourt, of Lucca in Italy, in the 32d year of King Ed-
ward the Third's reign, was the first Apothecary in England, as ap-
pears in Lord Coke's Reports in the Case of the City of London,
fol. 126, b."
"In those days (temp. Henry VI.) it was thought sufficient for
Noblemen's sons to wind their horn and carry their hawk fair,
and leave study and learning to the children of mean people. See
Caxton's Life in Biographia Britannica."
" Bolton Village and Castell is 4 miles from Midleham. The
Castell standithe on a roke syde ; and all the substaunce of the
lodgings in it be included in 4 principall towres. Yt was an 18 yeres
in building, and the expencis of every yere came to 1000 marks. It
was finished or Kynge Richard the Hd. died
" One thinge I muche notyd in the Haulle of Bolton, how Chime-
neys were conveyed by tunnelles made on the syds of the wauls
bytwixt the lights in the Haull, and by this meanes, and by no
covers, is the smoke of the harthe in the Hawle wonder strangly
convayed. Moste parte of the tymber that was occupied in buyld-
ynge of this Castell was set out of the Forest of Engleby in Cumber-
Remarks on Ancient Manners, collected by Dr. Lori. 7
land, and Richard Lord Scrope, for conveyaunce of it, had layde by
the way dyvers drawghts of oxen to cary it from place to place till it
cam to Bolton. There is a very fayre Cloke at Bolton, cum motu
solis, &c., lunae, and other conclusions. Prom Leland's Itinerary,
viii. 19."
" In Selden's edition of the Fleta (see Book 2.) every thing minutely
described appertaining to the office of every household servant of
our old nobility ; Cook, Ox-driver, Shepherd, Swineherd.
" Fleta was written in Edward the Second's reign ; best edition
1685."
" J. Loccenii Antiquitates Sueo-Gothicae, in quibus prisci aevi Sue-
orum et Gothorum mores, status regni, et institutiones, cum hodiernis
comparantur. Upsalise, 1670, 8vo. — See Peck's ' Desiderata Curiosa,'
voL II. and the ist vol. I. vi. p. 30."
" The Exchange (that arsenal of choice vanities) is furnished with
a daily supply and variety of beauty spots cut out in diminutive
moons, suns, stars, castles, trees, birds, beasts, and fish. King
James affirmed that whoever used these patches either was, or would
be, a whore.
"When yellow starched bands and cuffs were in fashion, Lord
Chief Justice Coke commanded the common Hangman to do his
office in that dress, and thus put a stop to the idle fashion. — From a
book called Youth Behaviour, translated from the French by Francis
Hawkins, a boy often years old, 1663, 12010, p. 60." [See Note 3.]
" Sir William Temple says, vol. I. p. 268, ' I think I remember,
within less than 50 years, the first noble families that married into
the City for money, and thereby introduced by degrees this public
grievance, which has since ruined so many estates by the necessity
of giving great portions to daughters, impaired many families by the
weak or mean productions of marriages made without any of that
warmth and spirit that is given them by force of inclination and per-
sonal choice, and extinguished many great ones by the aversion of
the persons who should have continued them.' Quoted by Brown in
his ' Estimate of the Times.' " [See Note 4.]
"In the time of the Great-grandfather of the present Duke of
Devonshire, Wine handed round on a salver after dinner. Then the
Duke withdrew. Company entertained with strong beer by the
Steward, and smoking. Hence the origin of Salver Wine.
" Lambeth Palace ; old customs broke through. Chaplains enter-
tain."
" Sir Wm. Cecil, in a letter to Sir N. Throckmorton at Paris, May
1561, says, 'The Queen wishes some Goldsmith might be induced
to come hither, with furniture of Agrets, Chains, Bracelets, &c., to
be bought both by herself and ladies here to be gay in this Court
towards the Progress. He shall be free of Custom for all he shall
not sell.' "
Social Manners and Customs.
Observations on Ancient Manners.
[1812, Part Il.,pp. 10, II.]
Among the MSS. of the late Dr. Lort I find the following obser-
vations, occasioned by perusing an old poem, intituled,
"The Northern Mother's Blessing to her Daughter, written 9 years
before Chaucer's death, and printed in a book called The Way to
Thrift, by R. Robinson, 1597. [See Note 5.]
" The foregoing stanzas exhibit a very lively picture of the manners
of this country, so far as respects the conduct and behaviour of a
class of people, who, at the time when they were written, occupied a
station some degrees removed above the lowest ; and seem to pre-
suppose that women of this rank stood in need of admonitions
against incontinence and drunkenness, vices at this day not imput-
able to the wives of farmers or tradesmen. It is much to be lamented
that the means of recovering characteristics of past ages are so few,
as every one must find who undertakes to delineate them : the
chronicles and history of this country, like those of most others, are
in general the annals of public events ; and a history of local manners
is wanting in every country that has made the least progress towards
a state of civilization. One of the best of the very good sentiments
contained in the writings of the late Lord Bolingbroke, is this : ' His-
tory is philosophy teaching by example ; and men would be less at a
loss than they are how to act in many situations, could it be known
what conduct had heretofore been pursued in similar instances.'
Mankind are possessed with a sort of curiosity, which leads them to
a retrospect on past times ; and men of speculative natures are not
content to know that a nation has subsisted for ages under a regular
form of government, and a system of laws calculated to promote
virtue and restrain vice, but they wish for that intelligence which
would enable them to represent to their minds the images of past
transactions with the same degree of exactness as is required in
painting. With what view but this are collections formed of anti-
quities, of various kinds of medals, of marbles, inscriptions, delinea-
tions of ancient structures, even in a state of ruin, warlike instru-
ments, furniture, and domestic utensils ? Why are these so eagerly
sought after, but to supply that defect which History in general
labours under?
"Some of our English writers seem to have been sensible of the use-
fulness of this kind of information, and have gratified the curiosity of
their readers by descending to such particulars as the garb and the
recreations of the people of this country. In the description of the
island of Britain, borrowed, as it is supposed, from Leland, by William
Harrison, and prefixed to Holinshed's Chronicle, is a very entertaining
account of the ancient manner of living in England. Stowe is very
particular with respect to London and spends a whole chapter in
Observations on Ancient Customs. g
describing their sports and pastimes. Hall, in his Chronicle, has gone
so far as to describe the habits of both sexes worn at several periods
in this country. Some few particulars relating to the manners of the
English, according to their several classes, are contained in that curious
little book of Sir Thomas Smith, ' De Republica Anglorum' [1633] ;
others are to be met with in the Itinerary of Fynes Moryson [1617] ;
and others, to the last degree entertaining, in that part of the Itinerary
of Paul Hentzner, published by the Hon. Mr. Walpole in 1757, with
the title of ' A Journey into England in 1589.'
" These, it is presumed, are the books from which a curious inquirer
into the customs and manners of our forefathers would hope for infor-
mation ; but there is extant another, which, though a great deal is
contained in it, few have been tempted to look into ; it is that en- .
titled ' De Proprietatibus Rerum,' of Bartholomseus, written originally
in Latin, and translated into English by John Trevisa, in the year
1398. Of the author and translator, the following is an account : the
author, Bartholomasus, surnamed Glantville, was a Franciscan Friar,
and descended of the noble family of the Earls of Suffolk. The book
' De Proprietatibus Rerum ' was written about the year 1366. Trevisa
was vicar of the parish of Berkeley, in the year 1398, and favoured by
the then Earl of Berkeley, as appears by the note at the end of this
his translation, which fixes also the time of making it" [See Note 6.]
[Here the MS. ends.}
Odd Customs, Antient and Modern.
[1732, Vol. II., p. 961.]
Nobody doubts but the natural Guidegiven to Man by God is Reason ;
if this be duly attended to, we shall act agreeably to Order and good
Sense, and do nothing odd or extravagant ; but the Propensity to
follow rather the Impulse of our Passions than the Dictates of Reason,
causes many to give into abundance of Whims and Excesses : Where-
fore it may not be amiss, the Author [of the Daily Courant, Sept. 21]
says, to expose the Oddness of several Customs. He begins with a
Custom among the Portugueze of wearing Spectacles, for no other
End but an Affectation of Gravity : So that if a Person had a mind to
be respected, he must not appear in any Assembly without a pair on
his Nose. And this is affected even by young Persons and Ladies.
Relates a Story of the Nuns of Rouen arriving at the Capital of the
Island Madera, belonging to the Portugueze, where they were met by
several Monks with Spectacles on their Noses ; one of which, a young
Monk, was obliged to take his off in order to read.
Passing over the different Whimsies in Dress, Furniture, etc., he
comes to the Decorations of the Head, as it is the principal Part,
Totus homo in vultu est. In the nth Century it became a Custom
for Men to wear long Hair ; which being contrary to the Precept of
io Social Manners and Customs.
St. Paul, the Bishops strongly opposed it. The Abp of Rouen, in a
Council 1096, order'd all that wore long Hair to be shut out of the
Church during Life, and not to be pray'd for after Death. In 1104,
Serlon, Bp of Seez, preaching at Carenton before K. Henry I. of
England strenuously against that Usage, caused him and all his
Courtiers to get their Hair cropt as soon as they went out of Church.
Bp Godefroi at Amiens refused to admit several to the Offertory ;
whereupon they whipt out their Knives and cut off their Hair on the
Spot. How much greater Rigour would those Bps have used had
they seen Men adorn their Heads with long Hair cut from Women's
Heads ! They would have enforc'd, no doubt, the Council of Gangra
held in 324, which forbids Women cutting off their Hair. But it may
be question'd whether their Zeal would be according to Knowledge.
As to Beards, the Emperor Otho introduced the wearing long ones
in Germany, and his most solemn Oath was by his Beard. In the
reign of Francis I. the French affected long Beards, and the Clergy
were so curious therein, that when he had a mind to squeeze a little
Money out of them, he got a Brief of the Pope for obliging them to
shave their Beards, or buy a Dispensation. It grew afterwards so
much in contempt, that all promoted to the Magistracy were obliged
to shave. In 1536, Francis Oliver could not be admitted into Parlia-
ment till he engaged to cut off his long Beard. Several Magistrates
of a lower Class kept theirs ; the last in Paris was M. Rich. Mithon,
Bailiff and Criminal Judge of Eu, who dy'd 1626. Some Clergymen
wore theirs till the Minority of Louis XIV.
It was a Custom among Heathens to offer the first Clippings of the
Beard to some Deity. Among some Christians it was usual for Clergy-
men, the first time their Beards were cut off, to bless them and dedicate
the Cuttings to God. See Furet Diet, the Word Barbe. [Note 7.]
A tawny Complexion was accounted beautiful among the Romans ;
for which Reason they exposed themselves to the Sun, as is advised
by Ovid :
' Munditiae placeant : fuscentur Corpora Campo.'
\Artis Amatoria, Lib. i. 513.]
Our Ladies formerly would not stir out of doors without a Mask ; now
they wear none. We look on it as ridiculous in the Savage Women
to think to set off their Faces with the Figures of Trees, Animals, or
Butterflies : Is it less so in our Ladies to cover their Faces with Patches,
as if full of flies?
Mistakes of French Writers upon English Customs and
Manners.
[1811, Part I., pp. 218-9]
In a French edition of a work intituled, " Le Voyageur Francois,
du la Connoissance de 1'Ancien et du Nouveau Monde," printed at
Mistakes of French Writers on English Customs, n
Paris in 1774, there appear to be several statements which some of
your Correspondents better acquainted with History than I am, may
probably confirm or correct. Speaking of Christmas, the writer, the
Abbe" Delaporte, says, "The English keep Christmas in the same
manner as we distinguish the first day of the new year, by mutual
presents or gifts. On Christmas day the publicans afford bread and
cheese gratis to their customers, which, being toasted, and highly sea-
soned to increase their thirst, makes them pay well for this generosity."
The Author alludes to a very early part of the reign of George II. ;
and it is certain that if ever there was any such custom among the
London publicans, it has quite declined. He next describes the
making of minced pies in terms correspondent with the following :
" In private families, the English make large pies of beeves' tongues,
cut very small, and mixed with eggs, sugar, currants, lemon-peel, etc.,
seasoned with all kinds of spices. They also serve up on the same
day a mixture of dried raisins and boiled prunes, of which they make
a detestable pottage." Is not this what used to be called plumb
pottage ?
" The English have several festivals, but which are only observed at
Church, for the shops remain open. Those who are esteemed good-
livers among them, in order to prepare for Easter, fast during Lent :
I speak of Church people only ; and, as we do, keep abstinence on a
Friday. There are other Fast days appointed by the Parliament, such
as the Thirtieth of January, etc"
" On the eve of Twelfth-day, games of chance are played at St.
James's, when all his Majesty's winnings are divided among his
chamberlains : On the morrow, the King offers the gold in one purse,
the silver in another, and incense in a third. Before the Reformation,
he washed the feet of twelve poor persons on the day he received the
Sacrament ; and this ceremony was performed much the same as in
France. It is now no longer practised in England ; but on Holy
Thursday, in one of the apartments of Whitehall, as many poor persons
are assembled as the King is years of age, each of whom receives a
plate of fish, six small loaves, a bottle of wine, and another of beer.
They may either eat this dinner, or carry it away, with the cloth which
is given them to make a garment, with linen for two shirts, a pair of
shoes and stockings, and two purses of red leather, in one of which
there are as many small pieces of silver as the King is years of age,
and in the other as many shillings as will answer to the years of the
Prince of Wales."
" Of all the Saints' days in the English Calendar, St. Valentine's,
which happens in the month of February, is that which is kept with
the greatest gaiety by the young people. On Valentine's eve, a
number of young men and women assemble in a convenient place,
and write their names upon separate slips of paper, which they very
carefully roll up, and afterwards draw them by lot. The young men
12 Social Manners and Customs.
draw the slips containing the names of the young women, and the
young women draw those of the young men — so that each name thus
drawn is considered as the Valentine of the person drawing it These
Valentines give balls, and make feasts, to which those are invited
whom chance has thus thrown in their way ; they likewise wear each
other's names, the women on their bosom, and the men upon the
coat-sleeve."
But I fear I shall fatigue you with these details ; you will, however,
admire the general traits of the English character. " In the eyes of
the politician and the philosopher, there cannot be a spectacle more
interesting than England. The spirit of opulence and grandeur,
which is become the predominant spirit of the inhabitants, with their
morals, from which much is to be hoped and feared, as acting power-
fully upon the state ; these are important objects, by which Great
Britain merits the attention of all Europe. The continual application
of the English, and their indefatigable courage, which, in the sciences
depending upon calculation, is become superior to that of other
nations, will insure to them the honour of being the first nation in
Europe that cultivated experimental philosophy, the most extensive
branch of substantial knowledge, of which Lord Bacon was the first
preceptor. The English also invented several instruments most use-
ful in Navigation."
Yours, etc. SCRUTATOR.
\\Z\\, Part I., p. 4:5.]
I beg leave to refer Scrutator to a Volume published at the Hague,
in 1698, where he will find, word for word, the remarks made upon
what appeared singular in our customs and manners by the Abb£
Delaporte, of a later date, as quoted by Scrutator in p. 218.
The Title to the Volume is, " Memoirs and Observations made by
a Traveller in England ; on what appeared to him most remarkable
in Religion, Politics, or Manners, Historical Facts, or Natural
Curiosities, with a particular Description of whatever is curious in
London; the whole enriched with Plates."
The plates consist of Views of our Public Buildings, Quakers'
Meeting, Milk Maids' Garland, etc. under the assumed name of
H. M. de V. (H. Marville de Vielly).
Should Scrutator wish to be satisfied of the very original as well as
ingenious Author of these remarks, he will find his real name by turn-
ing to the Correspondence of the Rev. James Granger edited by
Malcolm [1805]: I think, in the Letters of the Rev. Mr. Cole, recom-
mending a perusal as being useful to Mr. Granger, of an Edition
printed at Paris, even later than that of the Abbd Delaporte, in 4 Vols.
8vo. [See ante, p. i, and Note.]
Yours, etc. ANTI-SCRUTATOR.
Modern Manners in London. * 13
Modern Manners in London.
[1812, Parti., p. 16.]
To prevent others making the same mistakes with me on their first
visit to London, from not understanding on cards of invitation the
fashionable mode of making one hour pass for another, and the epithet
of small to mean quite the reverse of its usual acceptation ; I beg to
communicate that an invitation to dinner at six o'clock must be under-
stood at the soonest to be meant for seven, as till that hour the ladies
cannot have finished their toilets.
Soon after my arrival in town, I was asked to make one of a small
select party, which, from the limited number, promised to be most
agreeable; but, finding the apartment for receiving the company, which
by the bye was spacious, crowded in every part, I began to think I had
mistaken the day, and had obtruded myself to make one of a great
assembly to which I had not the honour of being invited. The lady
of the house, however, soon set my mind at ease by welcoming me to
her house, and hoping that, small as the party was, it might prove
agreeable.
At another time I was asked by a lady at whose house the best
company in town are to be seen, to partake of a public breakfast No
hour being mentioned on the card, and judging that late London
hours might naturally make breakfast-time rather later than with us in
the Country, I delayed my setting out till mid-day. When I arrived,
a servant informed me that if I wished to see the Lady of the house,
he believed she was not yet stirring—" That," said I, " is impossible ;
for I am invited this very day to breakfast with her " — " Lord, Sir !"
says the porter, " the breakfast-hour is from 4 to 5." I was more
astonished than ever at this distribution of time ; which not suiting
the craving of my appetite, I found it necessary at a neighbouring
hotel to make a hearty dinner previous to my partaking of her Lady-
ship's splendid Breakfast.
A CONSTANT READER.
Cries of London. [See Note 8.]
[1819, Part I., pp. 423-4.]
At a period when real melody is so much cultivated, it appears to
me very singular that no attempt has been made to reduce to some
order The Cries of London. They still remain in a most unmusical
confusion, for want of some person of taste in the science to superin-
tend them, and to teach the people their proper cries in score, that
they may not offend our ears, as they do at present, by their horrid
discord. This is much to the reproach of an age, so musical as the
14 Social Manners and Customs.
present ; and I wish to rouse the public attention to a subject which
they must hourly hear on both sides of their heads.
The great errors which have crept into our system of Cries are prin-
cipally these : the same musick is often applied to different words ;
and, secondly, we have often a great many words set to musick so im-
properly, that the " sound is not an echo to the sense." Not to speak
of a great deal of musick by the first female Professors of Billings-
gate, to which there are no words at all ; and vice versa, a great many
words without any musick except the bass.
I have said that the same musick is often applied to different words.
There is a man at this moment under my window, who cries " Pota-
toes " to the very same tune that I remember when cherries were in
season; and it was but yesterday a woman invited the publick to
purchase shrimps, to a tune which has invariably been applied to
water cod ; as to spinage and muffins, I have so often heard them
chaunted in D, that I defy any man to know which is which ;
matches, too, have been transposed to the key of periwinkles, and
the cadence which should fall upon " rare " is now placed upon
" smelts " and " mackerel." One would scarcely believe such absur-
dities in London, at a time when every hairdresser's boy whistles
Italian airs, and even the footmen at the doors of the King's Theatre
hum " Water parted from the Sea." There is another instance, I re-
collect, in " Radishes " — every body knows that the bravura part is on
the words " twenty a penny ;" but they swell these notes, and shake
upon " radishes." Sir, we have no ears, else we could not endure
such barbarous transpositions, which must be done by people totally
unacquainted with the gamut. You may think lightly, Sir, of this
matter, but my family shall starve ere I will buy potatoes cried in the
treble-cliff, or allow them to eat salad that has been sung out in flats.
" Soot-ho !" I will allow to be in alt ; the situation of our chimneys
justifies this; but certainly "dust" ought to be an octave lower,
although it is notorious that the unmusical brawlers frequently go as
high as G, and that without any shake. It is not clear that " dust "
should be shaken.
Of " water-cresses," I must own, the cry has a most pleasing melan-
choly, which I would not part with for the flippant tune in which we
are solicited to purchase cabbage-plants. In salad, the repetition has
a good effect ; " fine salad " and " fine young salad," with a shake upon
the last syllable of salad, is, according to the true principles of musick,
as it ends with an apogiatura. " Hot cross buns," although they occur
but once a year, are cried to a tune which has nothing of that melody
which should accompany sacred musick. There is a slur upon " hot "
which destroys the effect, and indeed gives the whole an irreverend
sound. " New cheese," I have to observe, has not been set to musick,
and is therefore usually sung as a second part to " radishes," but the
concords are not always perfect. Dabbs are rarely ever performed,
Cries of London. i 5
when there is no other accompaniment than that of the wheels of a
barrow.
As I would not wish to insinuate that all our cries are objectionable,
I must allow that " ground ivy " is one of the most excellent pieces of
musick that we have ; and I question if ever Handel composed, or
Mrs. Salmon sung, any thing like it What renders it more beautiful
is, that it is a rondeau. The repetition of the word " ground ivy,"
both before and after " come buy my," has a very fine effect, and is
both impressive and brilliant ! But, while I admit the merit of this
very natural and popular composition, what shall I say to " cucum-
bers "? The original tune is entirely forgotten, and a sort of Irish lilt
is substituted for it. But although I object to this tune by itself, I am
persuaded that those who admire the sublime thunder of a chorus,
will be highly gratified by a chorus of cucumber-women in a narrow
street.
" Fresh salmon " is objectionable, on account of the words and
musick. The musick was originally part of the celebrated Water
Piece, but they have mangled it so, that the composer could not
recognize his air.
This is a musical age, and our great improvements have attracted
the notice and importation of foreigners, who condescend to exchange
their notes for ours ; and it much becomes us to reform the present
barbarous system of cries. We can hear a Concert but now and then ;
the Cries assail our ears at all times of the day.
Yours, etc. PHILO-HARMONY.
Some Account of Scotland and the Manners of the
Inhabitants.*
[1754,/. 37°-]
In their marriages they do not use the ring as in England, but the
bride, if she is of the middle class, is conducted to church by two
men, who take her under the arms and hurry the poor unwilling
creature along the streets, as a pickpocket is dragged to an horse-pond
in London, having been attended the evening before by the bride-
maids, who with great ceremony wash her feet.
When a servant-maid has behaved well in a place, her master and
mistress frequently make what they call a penny wedding for her when
she marries. They provide a dinner or supper, and invite all their
relations and friends, and in the evening, when there is music and
dancing, the bride must go round the room and salute all the men,
during which ceremony every person in the company puts money
* [This is taken from Hurt's Letters from a Gentleman in the North of Scotland
to his friend in London; London, 1754, 2 vols. ; other editions followed in 1815,
1818, 1822, and 1876.]
1 6 Social Manners and Customs.
into a dish, according to their inclination and ability ; and by this
means the new-married couple often procure a sum sufficient to begin
the world with very comfortably for persons of their condition.
The moment a child is born it is plunged into cold water, though
it should be necessary first to break the ice. At the christening the
father holds it up before the pulpit, and receives a long extemporary
admonition concerning its education.
The people are invited to ordinary burials by a man who goes about
with a bell, and at certain stations declares aloud the death of the
party, the name and place of abode ; this bell is also tinckled before
the funeral procession. To the burial of persons of higher rank an
invitation is usually given by a printed letter, signed by the nearest
relation, but sometimes it is general, by beat of drum. The company,
which is always numerous, meet in the street at the door of the house ;
a convenient number, of whom strangers are always the first, are then
invited into a room, where there are pyramids of cake and sweetmeats,
to which some dishes with pipes and tobacco are added, merely be-
cause it is an old custom, for it is rare to see any smoaking in Scotland.
Each of the nearest relations presents wine to every individual of the
company, and as it is expected the guest, when he has accepted the
favor of one, should not refuse it to any of the rest, he is in danger of
drinking more than he can conveniently carry. When one set has
been thus treated others are introduced, and when all have had their
turn, they accompany the corpse to the grave, where it generally
arrives about noon. The minister is always particularly invited,
though he performs no kind of service over the dead, of whatever
fortune or rank. Part of the company is selected to return to the
house, where wine is filled as fast as it can be drank, till there is scarce
a sober person amongst them ; in the end, however, some sweetmeats
are put into their hats, or thrust into their" pockets, with which they
afterwards compliment the women of their acquaintance. This
ceremony they call the Drudgy^ which, perhaps, is a corruption of
Dirge.
Manners and Customs of Herefordshire.
[1819, Partl.,fp. 109—112.]
It appears to me that descriptions of existing Manners and Customs
of the various Counties in England would be valuable additions to
your Provincial Compendium, now in course of publication. Though
the differences may not be strong, yet they will be interesting to
posterity, and to some of the moderns.
The manners of the nobility and gentry assimilate over the whole
kingdom. They breakfast upon tea, coffee, or cocoa, with cold meat
and eggs : have the children's dinner about two or three, and dine at
five or six, upon soup, fish, poultry, butcher's meat, and sweets ; the
Manners and Customs in Herefordshire. 17
wines, port and sherry. Tea and coffee from 8 to 10 ; no suppers,
only a tray of cold meat, or a light thing hot Bed-time from 10 to
1 2. In one thing they differ from several adjacent counties. The
gentlemen wear, when about home, shooting jackets during the
morning. If this fashion be not universal, it is very general. Like
the rest of the country, in every station, where possible, they derive
the resources for the diet of the house and stable from their own home
grounds. It is the habit of the country to consider horses, not in a fit
condition for work, if too fat ; and for this reason, saddle-horses,
though not suffered to have an ugly leanness, are of more bony contour
than the London horse with his mole-like rotundity and sleekness.
The yeomanry is a superior class of men to that demi-labourer,
which is often the character of the farmer. They are styled Mr. by
the poor, over whom they have great influence : not farmer A. or B.
as in Gloucestershire. Their houses are mostly of framework, and
lath and plaster ; others of stone or brick. The door commonly
opens to a large culinary sitting-room, through which the visitor passes
to a parlour. Their furniture is mostly a long oaken table and forms,
a clock (common in the poorest cottages), weather-glass, and a settle,
as in public-houses. The drinking utensils are made of wooden work
and hoops like casks, but in the shape of hand-churns. The breakfast is
mostly tea ; the dinner, a profusion of butcher's meat ; the beverage
in general, cider or beer, sometimes is added a glass of spirits and
water. The hour of retirement is early. Almost every farmer in the
country is a sportsman. Their teams are in general of the large
elephant breed, the leader having often a ring of bells. The peasantry
are, of course, the race marked with the strongest peculiarities. Their
costume is mostly the Anglo-Saxon frock, commonly called the
carter's, or smock-frock. They work for nine shillings a week, with
the privilege of a certain quantity of corn at a low fixed price. Barley
bread they do not eat ; nor are ever without a pig, to slaughter for
winter bacon. They deal very little at village shops, but procure what
grocery or similar articles they may want for the week from the towns,
upon the market-day. Their favourite beverage is cider, and that in
no moderate quantities. Some persons have observed that they
thought the liver of a Herefordshire man to be a sponge. A bet was
once laid, that a person would find five old women, who should
drink out a hogshead of cider in three days. One Moll Jones was
named, as a fit woman for one of the triumvirate " Pooh !" said
the better, "she will not do; she'll be drunk after she has had four
or five pailsfull." In harvest time, the farmer finds it necessary to
feed them amply, even with roast beef, geese, good plumb-puddings,
and as much liquor as they chuse. They are very superstitious, be-
lieving in ghosts and witchcraft They consider the earliest possible
baptism of a child newly born as essential to its future health ; but,
notwithstanding their inclination to religion, they meet in large
2
f
1 8 Social Manners and Customs.
parties upon Sunday afternoons to play at foot-ball, wicket (an old-
fashioned cricket), or other gymnasticks. Generally speaking, they
attend Church (the farmers enforcing it), but some fish or poach the
whole Sunday, the latter being an universal habit at all times. The
bargemen follow their towing trade also up the Wye, upon the same
sacred day. When harvest is concluded, they light twelve fires in
honour of the Apostles — a well-known custom derived from the
Druids. At Christmas time they go a mumping, as it is called,
mostly on St Thomas's-day, and then receive from the farmers a
small dishful of wheat ; from other houses a trifling donation. The
feast of the Church is observed with great conviviality, and ale-house
balls, and dinners ; nor do they separate till the money, which they
lay up for weeks before, is spent ; cock-fighting is at such seasons a
favourite amusement ; at Whitsuntide, the Morice-dance is got up in
a style worthy even the notice of Mr. Douce. A trick of pilfering,
especially poultry, is universal; but higher degrees of larceny are
mostly limited to granaries and fat sheep, from which every farmer
suffers more or less in the year ; but detection is exceedingly difficult
from universal sympathy and agreement with the thief. If any
police-officer be exemplary and active, they do not feel sorrow even
if he is murdered. If offended by their superiors, it is a favourite
idea, to go to their houses and abuse them ; nor do they spare the
most villainous calumnies. To drive them is impossible, but they
may be partially led by kindness. Strangers they uniformly dislike ;
but are soon reconciled to them. Tobacco they are exceedingly
attached to, being never without a short pipe in their mouths. The
women swear violently, and even fight if provoked. According to
the old joke, " She going to be married ! I never heard she was with
cheeld before !" Bastardy is common ; but, unless in cases of matri-
mony, the father is, if possible, concealed. In law-suits or justice-
business the witnesses are much warped in their evidence, according
to their respective affections for the parties ; and the winner with his
friends attends Church and public places with ribands in the hat, as
in Elections.
Funerals they attend without invitation, from neighbourly regard
to the deceased, and often accompany the corpse to the grave with
psalm-singing. Every person present is invited to see the corpse
before the coffin is closed, and the offer is mostly accepted. The
relatives kneel by the corpse, and lean upon the coffin, while the
service is read in the Church, and when the words earth to earth, etc.,
are pronounced, the relatives stoop over the grave and often weep
aloud. The grave for some time after is dressed with flowers ; but
not turfed till the ensuing spring. If they are unable to purchase a
tombstone, instances occur where an old one, not belonging to the
family, has been removed, turned topsy-turvy, and the blank side
smoothed and inscribed
9
Manners and Customs in Herefordshire. 19
Mid-lent Sunday is observed by all ranks; children of all ages
then dining with their parents upon loins of veal Bell-ringing is a
very favourite pastime.
They are exceedingly tenacious of right of road and paths ; and
anything new is offensive at first
In planting, the apple-tree is idolized. Bitter execrations are
uttered against the Larch, on account of the white blight, usual upon
it, which is presumed to destroy the early fruit. The state of the
trees, previous to, and during the blossom season, is watched with
the most paternal anxiety. It is with the utmost difficulty that they
can be induced to cut down an old tree past bearing, or even to
thin it.
The old women retain the use of the spinning-wheel, and in many
farmhouses the female servants employ their vacant hours in the
same manner. Much home-made linen is used ; but the custom is
upon the decline. Not only flax, but woollen cloth, is prepared
upon the borders of Wales, as in that country, of which the threads
are as coarse as lay-cord. Stockings of the same sturdy construction
are also knit, of a dark blue, or liver-coloured brown.
The original Celt or Silurian is known by the square shoulder, and
strong features, as well as piercing look. They are generally tall,
but instances occur, of nine-pin make, with calves of the short legs
bulky, not with flesh, but muscular in ugly symmetry. The women
are mostly tall, slender, and well proportioned above the hip, but
below exceeding bony. In this they differ from the Welsh women,
who are mostly bull-made, short-necked, flat broad shoulders, and
stout, with often handsome faces.
In basket-making, thatching, the piscatory art, hedging, and other
agricultural works, they excel. In lopping the trees, they have one
very unsightly custom, that of cutting the head wholly off; and
leaving it to shoot out again on the sides, by way of making it a
pollard.
A pig, as has been already observed, is a sine qua non in every
cottager's family ; if any one of these animals happens to die from
disease or accident, they hawk a brief or petition around the country
to collect money for the purchase of another : but the most curious
fact is, that the chamber-pots are emptied into the hog-wash ; and it
is asserted, that the usage of pigs to food with this mixture occasions
them to refuse no kind of sustenance, possibly because nothing can
be worse.
Herefordshire has in itself every comfort which nature can bestow.
Excellent land, plenty of wood and coals, and lime in profusion;
but art in some important points is deficient in charms. Smoky
chimneys are universal ; and in building, uniformity is much neg-
lected. Windows are placed out of a centre, in order to give better
light to the fire-place, and are made high. The fruit and vegetable
2 — 2
2o Social Manners and Customs.
garden often fronts the house, the walks edged with espaliers of
apple-trees ; and this is not unpleasing, though formal. In cottages,
doors to the privies are not universal, though they spare no expense
for a good clock. The grand distinction of the provincial dialect is
the use of Him for He.
These remarks apply to the more populous parts of the county,
and generally to the whole. But about Grosmont and the Black
Mountains, there are villages nine miles distant from medical aid,
and others where no butcher comes but twice a year, at certain
festive seasons.
This description, incomplete and desultory as it is, but faithful,
shows that the manners of the people are half-English, half-Welsh.
Yours, etc. A. B. C D.
Popular Customs and Superstitions in Herefordshire.*
[1822, Part I., pp. 13-15.]
(From Mr. Fosbroke's " Ariconensia, or Archaeological Sketches of
Ross and Archenfield") [See Note 9.]
" The original of antient customs," says Johnson, " is commonly
unknown ; for the practice often continues, when the cause has ceased;
and concerning superstitious ceremonies, it is in vain to conjecture ;
for what reason did not dictate, reason cannot explain." The attempt
here made to illustrate them of course goes not beyond obvious
analogies.
New Christmas Day, and the first Monday in the year. — A woman
must not come first into the house, otherwise there will be no luck
throughout the year. Janus observes in Ovid, that, " Omens attach
to the beginning of all things :"t and Philosophers know, that when
the mind is strongly agitated by hope or fear, it naturally speculates in
the future, and has a sensitive irritability, which warps events to the
prevailing idea. But occursacula, i.e., presages from objects first met
upon going abroad, were the subjects of particular books, written by
Hippocrates (not the Physician) and Polios. It was very unlucky to
meet a lame or blind man, eunuch, ape, etc., and more especially the
animal called Gale, whether it signified a weazle or cat, because, says
Artemidorus, it typifies a crafty bad-mannered woman, \ and the term
"old cat" is still contemptuously applied to antient ill-natured females.
In the North of England, it is customary, when a child is taken to
church to be christened, to engage a little boy to meet the infant,
* [Articles on the Popular Superstitions of Herefordshire will be printed in
voL iii. "Popular Superstitions and Traditions."]
"Omina principiis inquit inesse Solent." Fasti, i. lih. 178.
j Casaub. in Theophrast. p. 290. See, too, the Scholiast on the Birds of
Aristophanes, Lucian, and others, concerning the Occursacula.
Customs and Superstitions in Herefordshire. 21
upon leaving the house, because it is deemed an unlucky omen, to
encounter a female first, for which service the boy receives a small
present of a cake and Cheese,* wrapped in paper. On the first day of
the year, it is also deemed very unfortunate for a woman to enter
the house first ; and therefore an inquiry is mostly made, whether a
male has previously been there. It is certain, that among all the
Northern nations, women were supposed to be endowed with a
prophetic spirit, more or less, according to their age.t and a tall
Celtic woman and female Druid, severally met Drusus and Alexander
Severus, and prophesied the death of each.J When Maximinus met
a woman with dishevelled hair and mourning habit, it was deemed an
omen of his death :§ and among the antient Scots, if a woman bare-
foot crossed a road, before them, they seized her, and drew blood
from her forehead, as a charm against the omen.|| The women
had, too, such enormous influence and authority among the Celts,
that they excited the jealousy of the Druids, who found means to
impose a check upon them. IT Whether this superstition formed one
of these means, or not, the Primitive Christians would not stop it, for,
in consequence of the Fall of Man, they denominated ths Fair Sex,
Gates of the Devil, resigners of the Tree of Life, and first deserters of
the Divine Law.** The only notice of this occursaculum in the
Popular Antiquities is confined to the Churching of Women. tt
Old Christmas Day. No person must borrow fire, but purchase it,
with some trifle or other, for instance, a pin. A woman must not
enter the house on this day. The restriction concerning the Fire,
lasts during the twelve days. The Druids consecrated a solemn fire,
from which that of all private houses was supplied. They extinguished
all the other fires in the district till the tithes were paid, nor till this
was done, could the fires be rekindled. J J As to the Pin, Welch
women still resort to a spring, called Nell's Point, on Holy Thursday,
and drop pins into it for offerings.^ The translation of this custom
to Old Christmas Day, the Epiphany, when the fire might represent
the star which guided the Magi, and be purchased in allusion to their
offerings, is a very fair substitute, for the following reasons : " It was
* Rous (Archaeolog. Attic, p. 212) mentions from Athenians, c. 2, "toasted
pieces of Chersonesus Cheese, as common presents of the Greeks at the feast of
naming their children."
t Univ. Hist, vi., p. 67.
J Lampridius and Xiphiline in Hist. Aug. ii. 222, iii. 203.
§ Capitolin. in Id. ii. 232.
|| Antiquit. Vulgar, p. 101, Ed. Brand.
IT Univ. Hist, xviii. 563.
* Tertullian, p. 170, Ed. Kigali "De cultu Feminarum."
ft II. p. II.
it Borlase's Cornwall, p. 130. — De Valancey in Collect. Reb. Hybern. N. ii.
64, 65, 105.
§§ Hoare's Giraldus, i. 133.
22 Social Manners and Customs.
an auncient ordinaunce, that noo man sholde come to God, ne to the
Kyng with a voyde honde, but that he brought some gyfte."* That
the purchase of the fire should last for the twelve days is also analogous
to antient customs ; for the observation of twelve days was connected
with the Saturnalia; and Hospinian says, that at Rome on New
Year's Day, no one would suffer a neighbour to take fire out of his
house, or any thing of iron, or lend any thing. It was a Heathen
custom, f
On Twelfth Day also they make twelve fires of straw, one large
one to burn the old witch. They sing, drink, and dance, { around
it. Without this festival, they think, that they should have no crop.§
On the same day in Ireland, they set up, as high as they can, a sieve
of oats, and in it a dozen candles, and in the centre one larger, all
lighted This is done in memory of our Saviour, and his Apostles,
lights of the world. ||
This custom had its origin in a jumble of the Druidical Beltine
and the Roman Cerealia, and Palilia ; the great light to burn the
witch seemingly referring to Samhan, or Balsab, the Druidical God
of Death. To return,
"After the fires are lit, the attendants, headed by the master of the family,
pledge the company in old cyder, which circulates freely on these occasions. A
circle is formed round the large fire, when a general shout and hallowing takes
place, which you hear answered from all the adjacent villages and fields. "IT
The Northern nations on addressing their rural deities, emptied
on every invocation a cup in their honour.** The hallooing is the
" Cererem clamore vocent in tecta " [Calling Ceres into the House] of
Virgil, of which the Delphin Annotator observes, that Ceres being a
synonym for Corn, it implies a wish that there may be a good crop
brought into the barns.
" This being finished in the fields, the company return home, where the good
housewife and her maids are preparing a good supper. A large cake is always
provided with a hole in the middle. After supper the company all attend the
Bailiff or head of the oxen to the wain house, where the following particulars are
observed. The master at the head of his friends fills the cup (generally of strong
ale) and stands opposite the first and finest of the oxen. He then pledges him in
a curious toast. The company follow his example with all the other oxen, addressing
each by his name. This being finished, the large cake is produced, and with
* Golden Legend, fol. viii. a.
t Brand's Popular Antiquities, i. p. 1 1.
+ neque ante
Falcem maturis quisquam supponat aristis,
Quam Cereri, torta redimitus tempora quercu,
Det motus incompgsitos, et carmina dicat.
Virg. Georg. L. i. v. 347, seq.
g bementivae dies, were feasts after seed-times on no stated days.
II Collect. Keb. Hybern. N. i. p. 124.
Popular Antiquities, p. 29.
* Mr. Pennant (Scotland, p. 91) from Olaus Wormius.
Customs and Superstitions in Herefordshire. 23
much ceremony put on the horn of the first ox, through the hole above-mentioned.
The ox is then tickled to make him toss his head ; if he throw the cake behind,
then it is the mistress's [or female servant's] perquisite ; if before (in what is termed
the iaosy*), the bailiff himself claims the prize. The company then returns
to the house, the doors of which they find locked, till some joyful songs are sung.
On their gaining admittance, a scene of mirth and jollity ensues, which lasts the
greatest part of the night."
Thus the Popular Antiquities,t but the invocation being omitted
shall be supplied :J
" Here is to you, Champion, with thy white horn,
God send our master a good crop of corn,
Both Wheat, Rye, and Barley, and all sorts of grain,
If we meet this time twelvemonth we'll drink to him again,
Thee eat thy pouse,% and I will drink my beer,
And the Lord send us a happy new year."
Mr. Brand, in the excellent work quoted, has not adduced the
origin of this custom. It appears to be a rude draught of one of
the antient Feriae Sementivae. The cake seems to have been put on
the horn of the Ox, as a substitute for the crown or garland formerly
used at these festivals ; for Tibullus says, " Loose the chains from the
yokes ; now the Oxen ought to stand at the full stalls with a crowned
head."\\ The cakes allude to the offerings then made to Ceres and
the Earth from their own corn,H and " the joyous songs " are the
" Carmina " of Virgil before quoted.
At Easter, the Rustics have a custom, called Corn-showing. Parties
are made to pick out Cockle from the Wheat Before they set out
they take with them Cake, Cyder, and, says my informant, a yard of
toasted cheese. The first person who picks the cockle from the wheat
has the first kiss of the Maid, and the first slice of the Cake.
This custom is not noticed in the Popular Antiquities. It is
plainly another of the Feria Sementivce, as appear from the following
line of Ovid.**
" Et careant loliis oculos vitiantibus, agri."
Let the fields be stripped of eye-diseasing cockle.
* A stall, from the Anglo-Saxon Bosg, or Bosig, Prsesepe.
t I. p. 29.
J From Rudge and Heath.
§ From the Anglo-Saxon posa, scrip. *
II Solvite vinda jugis ; nunc ad praesepia debent
Plena coronato stare boves capite. — El. ii. I, p. 112, Ed. Bas. 1592.
IT Placentur matres frugum Tellusque Ceresque
Farre suo. — Ovid Fast. i. 671.
Buns, according to Bryant, retain the name and form of the sacred bread,
•which was offered to the gods. — Popular Antiq. i. 132, 133.
** Fast. i. 691.
24 Social Manners and Customs.
And held at the very season prescribed by Virgil, the beginning of
spring.* It appears however to have been mixed with other antient
customs. The Cockle is the unhappy Lolium of Virgil, described as
so injurious to Corn, and if mixed with the bread was thought to
bring on Vertigo and Headache.t Among the Romans the Run-
catio Segetum or Corn-weeding took place in May, I but the Feriee
Sementiva, says Ovid, had no fixed days, and April was the carous-
ing month of the Anglo-Saxons,§ and the time of celebrating the
festivals in honour of Venus, Ceres, Fortuna Virilis, and Venus
Verticordia. The Roman Rustics then went out to call Ceres home,
as appears by the previous quotation from Virgil, and the kissing
might be in honour of Venus ; indeed it was a want of courtesy,
upon various occasions, not to kiss females. Henry VIIL says, in
Shakspeare :
" I were unmannerly to take you out,
And not to kiss you."
[King Hen. VIII. act. i. sc. 4.]
[1822, Part I., pp. 220-223.]
The Harvest Home is undoubtedly derived from the worship of
Ceres || or Vacuna,H represented by the straw figure.
The Wassailling Bowl is the mere Grace-cup of the Greeks and
Romans. It has nothing to do with the meeting of Vortigern and
Rowena, for it is mentioned by Plautus, and occurs in France. The
Anglo-Saxons, however, much liked it, for they introduced the custom
of hard-drinking.**
May-poles are still erected, but the May-games the Roman Flor-
alia, antiently celebrated even in this country, according to Ovid'stt
description of them, are utterly lost, tippling and holiday idleness
excepted.
The Morris Dame, kept up with great spirit, is deduced by Strutt,
with probability, from the Fools' Dance at Christmas, part of the
antient Feasts of Fools and Saturnalia ;\\ at least, no better origin is
assigned; and Mr. Douce, who has very deeply investigated the
subject, admits a connexion with the Pyrrhic Dance.
The young peasantry have been known to adopt the idle classical
* Annua magnse
Sacra refer Cereri, Itetis operatus in herbis
Extrenuz sub casum hyemis,jam vere serene. — Georg. i. v. 339.
t Pintianus in Plin. p. 485, ub. pi.
J Calendar. Rusticum, ap. Fleetwood, p. 6 1.
§ From the curious Anglo-Saxon calendar in Strutt's Horda, i. 43.
II So Dr. Clarke, Trav. iii. 286.
IT So Popular Antiq. i. 441.
* Archajologia, xi. 419, 420. Selden's Illust. of Drayton's Polyolb. Song ix.
ft Scena joci morem liberioris habet. Fast. iv. 946. [The sport is carried to
licentious lengths.]
t$ Sports and Pastimes, p. 171.
Customs and Superstitions in Herefordshire. 25
superstition of Love-Philtres or Powders. What these were, Gay
mentions in his " Shepherd's Week " :
" These golden flies into his mug I'll throw,
And soon the swain with fervent love shall glow."
Instead of these dangerous ingredients, a humorous chemist in
the vicinity is said to have sold emetics, and cunningly watched the
amorous purchasers, to enjoy the jest of the operation.
The anniversary honours and sports, described by Virgil, as cele-
brated at the barrow of Anchises, are also preserved. On the Wed-
nesday in Whitsun week, there is a large meeting for festivity, held
upon a great barrow, called Capel Tump. Stukeley mentions a
similar convivial assembly, held on Shipley Hill, also a large tumulus.*
Cock-fighting is highly in vogue, to the great vexation of philoso
phers, who know how much ferocity impedes the influence of Law,
Morals, and Civilization. It is said to have originated with Themis-
tocles, who instituted annual battles, because he had seen two cocks
fighting, and thus thought that he should encourage bra very, t From
hence, says Pintianus,} came the custom upon Shrove Tuesday of
boys bringing cocks to their masters, and under their controul, be-
holding the battle till dinner-time, in the school, as noticed by
Strutt§ The cocks were fed regularly.]] Cock-fights appear upon
the coins of Dardania, and under the presidency of love.U The
battles were often fought in the presence of the god Terminus (a
Hermes among the Greeks), and the palms destined to the con-
queror, were placed upon a pedestal. Upon a coin of Athens we
see a cock crowned with palm.** Polyarchus gave public funerals,
and raised monuments, with epitaphs to his cocks, ft The sport
passed from the Greeks to the Romans ; and Caracalla and Geta
were great cock-fighters. } \ Quails were sometimes fought instead of
cocks.§§ A writer on the subject is mistaken in making the gaffle, or
metal spur modern. It is mentioned in an Anglo-Saxon synod,|||| and
sometimes was of brass. HU
Midlent or Mothering Sunday, rigidly observed, originated in the
festival held at this season, in honour of Cybele, the mother of the
gods, transferred after the introduction of Christianity to the mother
church, whence it is taken up in the Popular Antiquities.
Spinning and making Home-made Linen, a custom as old as Pene-
lope and the Grecian heroines, is on the decline, from the superior
cheapness of manufactured goods, and the introduction of cotton.
* Itiner. i. 108. t ^1'an, Var. Hist. ii. 28, p. 67, 68.
J In Plin. p. 194. § Sports and Pastimes, p. 210.
|| Plutarch de fraternitate. V Stosch, Gemm. Cl. ii. n. 696, 697.
** Encycl. des Antiq. ft Lilian, Var. Hist. viii. 4.
JJ Pierr. grav. du Due d'Orleans, p. 172.
§§ Popular Antiq. i. 479, seq. Illl Lye's Diet. Sax. v. Geaflas.
HIT Ducange, v. Plectrum.
26 Social Manners and Customs.
John Northbrooke, an old puritan, who wrote in 1579, says (p. 35) :
"In olde time we reade that there was usually caried before the
mayde, when she sholde be maried, and came to dwell in hir hus-
bandes house, a distaffe charged with flaxe and a spyndle hanging at
it, to the intente that shee might bee mindful to lyve by hir labour."*
Singing Psalms before the Corpse, on the way to the grave, is bor-
rowed from the heathens, t
The Bandy played by the boys, is an imperfect exhibition of the
Roman Paganica, and our antient Goff.J
The following customs appear to the author to have a Druidical
origin :
A certain day, which is a whole holiday for the waggoners, is fixed
for cutting the staves of goads. There certainly was a regard paid
by the ancients to the age of the Moon in felling their timber ;§ but
whether the custom alludes to this, or the misletoe ceremony, the
author knows not.
Wild Flowers, especially snow-drops, brought into the house, pre-
vent the first brood of chickens.
St. Thomas's Day mumping, is the going a gooding or corning,
which is presumed to have a connexion with the Druidical Hag-
mena, derived from " Au Guy Tan neuf;" i.e., To the misletoe this
new year, or custom of going from house to house ; for Paul Merula
says : " The Druids were accustomed to send their young men with
the misletoe from house to house, as a kind of present, and wish
people a happy new year."||
New Year's Gifts. The peasantry send about, on New Year's
Day, a small pyramid, made of leaves, apples, nuts, etc., gilt ; a
custom no doubt derived from the Druidical Hagmena, mentioned
in the last article. Collars of Mountain Ash are put upon the necks
of cattle to keep off witches. This is a pure Celtic custom. An old
Statistical Scotch account says : ' They fixed branches of mountain
ash, or narrow-leaved service tree, above the stakes of their cattle to
preserve them from the evil effects of elves and witches. H The reli-
gion of the Britons and Germans being different, the misletoe is
represented in the Edda as a contemptible and mischievous plant.
In the Gothic mythology, if any tree seems to have been regarded
with more particular attention than others, it is the ash.**
Bees are not sold, and a frying-pan is beat when they are swarming.
* Popular Antiq. ii. 60.
t Macrobius, etc., in Id. ii. 172.
t Strait's Sports, p. 81.
§ Popular Antiq. ii. 477.
II Popular Antiq. i. 350, seq. Bergerac, 4to, 1658, p. 45, Engl. Transl. puts into
the mouth of a magician, on the Continent, " I teach them to find the misletoe of
the new year." Pref. p. xxx.
1T Id. pref. xx.
** Cottle's Edda, Introd. p. x.
Customs and Superstitions in Herefordshire. 27
It was a prejudice, that when bees removed, or went away from their
hives, the owner of them would die soon after ; and in Devonshire,
when any man made a purchase of bees, the payment was never
made in money, but in commodities — corn, for instance — to the
value of the sum agreed upon. And the bees are never removed,
but on a Good Friday.* The tinkling of the pan is the substitute
for the invocation to the old Celtic Fairy, Brownie ; for Borlase says :
"The Cornish to this day invoke the spirit Browny, when their bees
swarm ; and think their crying ' Browny, Browny,' will prevent their
returning into their former hive, and make them pitch and form a
new colony." In after ages, the tinkling was deemed of use to let
the neighbours know that the owners had a swarm in the air, which
they claimed, wherever it lighted.t
1 he following are matters which the author ascribes to the middle
ages ; at least, he can assign no earlier date.
The first is the singular custom, now obsolete, of Sin-eating.
It appears, that so late as the seventeenth century, there was in
the villages, adjoining to Wales, an old man, called the Sin-eater ;
and his office was, for a trifling compensation, to pawn his own soul
for the ease and rest of the soul departed. Mr. [Sir Henry] Ellis, the
editor of the Popular Antiquities, has extracted the following curious
passage from the Lansdown Manuscripts [Note 10], concerning a
Sin-eater, who " lived in a cottage, on Rosse highway " :
" In the county of Hereford was an old custome at funeralls to hire poor people,
who were to take upon them the sinnes of the party deceased. One of them (he
was a long, leane, ugly, lamentable poor rascal) I remember lived in a cottage on
Rosse highway. The manner was, that when the corps was brought out of the
house, and layd on the biere, a loafe of bread was brought out, and delivered to
the Sinne-eater, over the corps, as also a mazar bowl of maple, full of beer [which
he was to drink up], and sixpence in money, in consideration whereof he took
upon him, ipso facto, all the sinnes of the defunct, and freed him or her from
walking after they were dead. This custome alludes, methinks, something to the
Scape-goate in the old lawe, Levit. chap. xvi. v. 21, 22, 'And Aaron shall lay
both his hands on the head of the live goate, and confesse over him all ye
iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins,
putting them upon the head of the goate, and shall send him away by the hand of
a fitt man into the wildernesse. And the goat shall bear upon him all their
iniquities unto a land not inhabited ; and he shall let the goat goe into the
wildernesse.'
"This custome (though rarely used in our dayes), yet by some people was
observed, even in the strictest time of the Presbyterian Government, as at Dynder
(volens nolens the Parson of the parish) the kindred of a woman deceased there
had this ceremonie punctually performed according to her will ; and also the like
was done at the city of Hereford in those times, where a woman kept, many years
before her death, a mazard bowl for the Sinne-eater ; and the like in other places
in this county ; as also in Brecon. I believe this custom was heretofore used all
over Wales. "J
* Popular Antiq. ii. 202. t Id. ii. 539. $ Id. ii. 156.
28 Social Manners and Customs.
The Nine Holes is an antient game of which the representation is
kept up, in nine holes, cut in a flat stone, or excavated in the bare
ground. This table does not accord with the real original game.*
Formerly flowers were strewed before young couples in their way
to church. The author once saw a malicious caricature of this
custom. Nosegays of rue enclosing a piece of half-eaten bread and
butter were dropped in the church-path and porch by a deserted
female, in order to denote an unhappy wedding. Stephens, in his
"Plaine Country Bridegroom," p. 353, says, "He shews neere affinity
betwixt marriage and hanging ; and to that purpose, he provides a
great nosegay, and shakes hands, with every one he meets, as if he
were now preparing for a condemned man's voyage."t
Foot-Ball is now the most common sport, especially on Sunday
afternoons ; but Strutt is mistaken in saying that this game did not
appear before the reign of Edw. III.,}: when bitter complaints were
made of its infringements upon archery.§ It is now a mere rustic
game, but in the reign of James, was played by noblemen. ||
These are all the antient superstitions and sports which particu-
larly distinguish the neighbourhood, known to the author. U
Old Christmas Customs and Popular Superstitions of
Lincolnshire.
[1832, Part II., pp. 491-4.]
In certain districts of the county of Lincoln, many of the old
Christmas customs still prevail. At this season the poor and indigent
solicit the charitable aid of their more wealthy neighbours towards
furnishing a few necessary comforts to cheer their hearts at this holy
but inclement season. Some present them with coals, others with
candles, or corn or bread, or money. It is a benevolent custom, and
merits encouragement, although sometimes abused; and may be
traced to a very high antiquity in this island ; for the Druids, at the
same season of the year, sent people round with a branch of the con-
secrated mistletoe, to proclaim in each dwelling a happy new year, in
return for which they expected a small gratuity.
In the day-time our ears are saluted with the dissonant screaming
of Christmas Carols, which the miserable creatures sing who travel
from house to house with the vessel cup. This is a name given to a
small chest, which incloses an image, intended to represent the sacred
* Detailed in Strutt's Sports, p. 237. See, too, Popular Antiq. ii. 297, 298.
t Popular Antiq. ii. 48.
J Strutt's Sports, p. 79. It is mentioned by Fitz-Stephen, who lived much
earlier. Popular Antiq. i. p. 62.
§ Rym. Feed. vi. 417.
|| Howell's Letters, p. 21 1.
U Strutt, p. 81.
Customs and Superstitions of Lincolnshire. 29
person of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Some of these vessels contain
two figures of different dimensions, to pourtray the Virgin and the
infant Saviour. In either case an apple is introduced covered with
gold leaf. It is reputed unlucky to dismiss the singer without a
present. The custom is rapidly falling into disuse.
But Christmas Eve is the time of gaiety and good cheer.* The
yule-clog blazes on the fire : the yule-candle burns brightly on the
hospitable board, which is amply replenished with an abundance of
yule-cake cut in slices, toasted and soaked in spicy ale, and mince-pies,
decorated with stripes of paste disposed crossways over the upper
surface, to represent the rack of the stable in which Christ was born ;
and the evening usually concludes with some innocent and inspiring
game. A portion of the yule-cake must necessarily be reserved for
Christmas Day ; otherwise, says the superstition, the succeeding year
will be unlucky. A similar fatality hangs over the plum-cake provided
for this occasion, unless a portion of it be kept till New Year's Day.
The origin of many of these customs and superstitions may be de-
duced from similar practices used by the northern nations of Europe
in ages far remote. In ancient Scandinavia a most magnificent
festival in honour of Thor commenced at the winter solstice. It was
commemorative of the Creation ; for, being the longest night in the
year, they assigned to it the formation of the world from primeval
darkness, and called it Mother-Night. The festival was denominated
Yule or Yeol. When Christianity superseded the rites of pagan
worship, the people expressed the greatest reluctance to relinquish
this annual rejoicing. To insure success to their preaching, therefore,
the missionaries applied the festival to the nativity of Christ, which
hence acquired the name of Yule-feast. The celebration of this
idolatrous festival was most sumptuous and splendid ; for it was be-
lieved that the succeeding season would be fruitful or unproductive,
according to the profusion or parsimony which was observed on this
occasion. On the eve of the first day, or Mother-night, fires of wood
blazed throughout the whole extent of northern Europe ; — hence the
origin of our Yule-clog. The peace-offerings dedicated to Thor
were cakes of fine flour sweetened with honey ; — hence our Yule-
cake.
The ringf used in the solemnization of matrimony is considered
the bond of union between the parties, and is directed to be placed
* The shepherds to whom Jesus was announced, were told that his advent was
glad tidings of great joy to all people.
t Mr. Brand, in his Popular Antiquities, vol. ii. p. 33, has given a citation from
Swinbourne's Treatise or. Spousals, which carries the use of the ring at weddings
back to a very remote period. " The first inventor of rings," iays this writer,
" was one Prometheus. The workman which made it was Tubal Cain ; and Tubal
Cain, by the counsel of our first parent Adam, gave it unto his son, to this end,
that therewith he should espouse a wife, like as Abraham delivered unto his servant
bracelets and ear-rings of gold."
30 Social Manners and Customs.
by the bridegroom* on the fourth finger of the bride's left hand,
because it was a received opinion amongst the ancient anatomists that
there existed a direct communication between that finger and the
heart It was a primitive custom with the early Christians, for the
father, at the conclusion of the ceremony, to salute the bride with the
kiss of peace — a practice which I have frequently witnessed; and
indeed it was indispensable at one period in this country, being
positively enjoined, both in the York Missal and the Sarum Manual.
The bride cakef is composed of many rich and aromatic ingredients,
and crowned with an icing made of white sugar and bitter almonds,
emblematical of the fluctuations of pleasure and pain which are inci-
dental to the marriage state. On this day the important ceremony
of passing small portions of bride-cake through the wedding-ring is
ritually performed. The just execution of this idolatrous ceremony
is attended to with the most scrupulous exactness. The bride holds
the ring between the fore-finger and thumb of her right hand, through
which the groom passes each portion of the cake nine times, pre-
viously cut by other individuals of the party into disposable pieces for
the purpose. These he delivers in succession to the bride-maids,
who seal them up carefully, each in an envelope of fair writing-paper.
As amulets of inestimable value, they are distributed amongst the
friends of the bride, who seldom neglect to make trial of their virtues.
Various are the methods of augury to which they are applied, one
only of which shall be mentioned here. If the fair idolatress deposit
one of these amulets in the foot of her left stocking, when she goes to
bed, and place it under her pillow, she will dream of the person who
is destined by fate to be her partner for life. The first month after
marriage is termed the honey moon, a phrase derived from a custom
practised by the northern nations of Europe, who used to indulge
themselves in drinking a liquor made from honey for thirty days suc-
cessively, at the marriage of their chief men.
At the birth of a child, the father receives the congratulations of
his friends, and the phrase " I wish you joy,' is the first salutation he
hears after the event takes place. A similar custom was used by the
Jews, though linked with many other superstitious observations. It
* "The name of Brydgroom," says Verstegan, "was given to the new-married
man, in regard that on the marriage day hee waighteth at the table, and serveth
the bryde, and so is the groom of the bryde for that tyme."
t Faber, Mys. Cab. vol. ii. p. 400, speaking of the Irish goddess Brid or Bridget,
adds a note on the origin of Bride Cake. "Brid," says he, "is the prototype of
St. Bride, to whom so many Welsh churches are dedicated ; and the deity, from
whose name our English word bride, a new-married woman, is derived. Brid
being the goddess of the covenant which ratified the allegorical marriage of Noah
and the Ark, was thence esteemed the tutelary genius of marriage in general.
Accordingly, we are informed by Col. Vallancey, that the sacrifice on the con-
firmation of marriage was by the ancient Irish denominated Caca-Bridtoige or the
Cake of Brid. It is evident that our modern custom of having a bride-cake, as it
is termed, upon the marriage day, originated from this idolatrous rite."
Customs and Superstitions of Lincolnshire. 3 1
is vulgarly believed that if a child be born with its hands open, it is
an indication of liberality and benevolence, but if its hands be closed,
the future individual will assuredly prove a churl. When it is first
taken to a neighbour's house, it is presented with eggs, the emblem of
abundance, and salt, the symbol of friendship. The christening is a
season of rejoicing ; but in some instances which have come under
my observation, it is accompanied by a custom which I hope is not
exhibited in any other part of the kingdom. It is the belief of some
very simple people that, unless the child cry during the ceremony, it
will not live. This silly superstition occasions some poor infants to
suffer considerable torture ; for their barbarous nurses do not hesitate
to pinch their tender flesh, or prick them with pins, to excite the
wished-for evidence of their longevity.
The systems of divination, and the tokens of good and evil fortune,*
which are still observed, are numerous and curious. If the tail of the
first lamb you see in the spring be towards you, it denotes misfortune ;
if otherwise, good luck may be expected throughout the year. The
first cuckoo you hear carries with it a similar fatality. Should you
have money in your pocket, it is an indication of plenty ; but woe to
the unhappy wretch who hears this ill-omened bird for the first time
with an empty purse ! The same thing is observed of the New Moon.
The Celts and Goths equally considered the new moon a fortunate
aspect for commencing any business of importance, whilst the waning
of the moon was esteemed unpropitious. It was a custom with the
ancient Germans to abide by the decision of their matrons, determined
by means of lots and prophecies, as to the most fortunate period for
attacking their enemies ; subject, however, to that unalterable maxim,
that success could not reasonably be anticipated if they engaged during
the waning of the moon.
The species of divination called Rhabdomancy, or setting up a
stick to determine which of two paths you shall pursue, I have often
witnessed. It was used by the Israelites, and is termed by the
prophet Hosea an abomination. We are informed by Ezekiel that
Nebuchadnezzar, when consulting the gods about the invasion of Judea,
used this species of divination, t
A silver ring made of money which has been offered at the altar is
reputed to be a cure for fits ; and it is well known that the kings of
England were formerly in the habit of consecrating rings with solemn
* A seaman belonging to one of the Grimshy Greenland whalers, applied to
my servant the night before the vessel sailed on her destination, for a small branch
of wicken-tree, several of which grew in my garden, as a preservative against
witchcraft. It being dark, the boy gave him by mistake a bough of sycamore ;
and the trees being not yet in leaf, the error remained undetected, and the poor
fellow bore away his magic branch in triumph, and in full confidence of its virtues.
It so happened that the voyage was more than commonly successful, which was
attributed solely to some supernatural influence inherent in the wicken bough.
t Hos. iv. 12 ; Ezek. xzi. 19, 21.
32 Social Manners and Customs.
ceremonies on Good Friday for this especial purpose. I have seen
many young ladies, and some old ones, turn their chairs three times
round, or sit cross-legged, as a charm to ensure good luck at cards ;
and the advantage of having the choice of chairs at whist is a univers-
ally received opinion.
Many are the ceremonies observed by young people who are
desirous of prying into futurity to find their destined mates, or to
know their future success in the connubial state ; and thus they fre-
quently lay a foundation for misery which they carry to the grave.
To obtain a sight of her future husband, when a young girl sleeps in
a strange bed, she observes the ceremony of tying her garter round
the bed-post in nine distinct knots, carefully repeating some potent
incantation. Divination by cards or tea-grounds is merely used for
amusement ; but the following process of preparing a magical amulet
called " the Dumb Cake," which equals any diabolical incantation of
ancient times, is still practised by many an anxious female with strong
assurances of success. Three unmarried girls are necessary for the
due performance of this rite, who must be pure unspotted virgins ;
because three is a number sacred in such ceremonies.
Terque senem flamma, ter aqua, ter sulphure lustrat —
and the charm was expected to fail if any levity was displayed during
the process. This trio search for a virgin egg, and having found one,
they take flour, salt, water, and all other ingredients to form a cake ;
which they unitedly mix with the same spoon, unitedly place in the
oven, and when baked unitedly take it thence. It is then divided
into three equal portions, and each taking one, they proceed in
solemn silence to occupy the same bed ; and placing each part under
their respective pillows, they disrobe themselves and walk backwards
into bed. Should either of the parties laugh, or utter a single syllable
during the whole process, the charm is broken. This cake is intended
to produce pleasant dreams, in which the future husband of each
damsel will manifest himself to her enraptured view, arrayed in all
the manly charms of a youthful bridegroom.
The dread of apparitions is a prolific source of distress and misery
to which our nature is subject ;* but it is now happily, together with
* I recollect being told, while collecting materials for my History of Beverley,
that it is not many years since the inhabitants of that ancient town hesitated to
pass down Gallows Lane after a certain hour in the evening, under a dread of
meeting the bogles (Brit, twgwly, to terrify), or ghosts of criminals who had been
executed in that place ; and old people remember when the whole town was
thrown into confusion and alarm by the apparition of a venerable looking man
which appeared nightly in a house called Courtney's house ; and was reputed to
have been murdered, and his bones laid in unconsecrated ground. The house
remained long unoccupied, and might have continued so to the present day for
aught I know, had not the ghost been laid in the Red Sea. The house in Vicar
Lane, now occupied by the Rev. Mr. Gilby, is said to have been formerly haunted
by a groom who came to an untimely end, by what means I know not ; but his
Customs and Superstitions of Lincolnshire. 33
the reputed power of witches to injure and torment the human species,
almost exploded. The most superstitious of the people are, at this
enlightened period, little affected by those fears which in the seven-
teenth century agitated all ranks and descriptions of men. I must not
omit to mention, however, that a most terrific source of alarm still
retains its influence over the superstitious in some parts of this county,
in the visionary Death-Cart Before the demise of any individual,
this tremendous machine is heard to rattle along the streets like a
whirlwind. Every heart beats with dismal apprehension at the
ominous sound The father of a family feels an involuntary shudder
pervade his frame ; children hide their faces in the mother's lap, who
herself exhibits too many evident symptoms of alarm to afford any
comfort to her terrified offspring ; while the more experienced, with a
significant shake of the head, exclaim, ' Ah, poor ! he'll die
before morning !" referring to some person whose indisposition is
known ; and each endeavours to avert the omen from himself by fixing
the application on his neighbour ; although he secretly fears, at the
same time, that the affliction will assuredly fall on some devoted
member of his own family.
To neutralize the evil influence of witchcraft, we still find seamen,
stable boys, and others, using the efficacious horse-shoe ; and when
good housewives put their cream into the churn, they sometimes cast
a handful of salt into the fire for the same purpose. Some people,
after eating boiled eggs, will break the shells to prevent the witches
from converting them into boats, because an ancient superstition gave
to these unhappy beings the power of crossing the sea in egg-shells.
Hue pertinet ovorum, ut exsorbuerit quisque, calices protinus frangi,
aut eosdem cochlearibus perforari. — Pliny [Nat. Hist xxviii. 4]. Why
the preference was given to egg-shells is rather equivocal, when an
oyster or a mussel shell would have been at hand to constitute a much
more plausible and imperishable vehicle.
Such and so various are the superstitions with which a short and
precarious life is embittered ; and by such empty practices do timid
mortals amuse and terrify themselves. They serve, however, to
remind us of the imperfection of our nature, unable by its own un-
assisted exertions to disentangle itself from the grovelling weaknesses
of matter, — to avert the evils of a probationary state, or to govern or
control effectually the passions and affections of the mind
Yours, etc. GEO. OLIVER.
skull being found in the dunghill, all attempts to remove it were unavailing : in
what place soever it was deposited, the next morning it was seen amidst the
manure. It was once taken away in a cart, but the vehicle was o\er-turned, and
the skull replaced, nobody knew how. This was a source of great trouble and
vexation to the town ; but the legend does not say how this tenacious cranium
was finally disposed of, or by what process the unearthly visitant was at length
expelled from his usual haunts.
34 Social Manners and Customs.
Customs of the Forest of Dean.
[1822, Part II., pp. 602, 603.]
If you think the following desultory observations made during a
late excursion in the Forest of Dean worthy insertion, they are most
heartily at your service.
The Forest of Dean, from the vale of Gloucester, presents a con-
fused mass of little eminences covered with underwood, and detached
groupes of timber trees. These eminences are very beautiful, their
bases are studded with meadows and corn-fields, and the little cottages
of the peasants peeping irregularly through the trees has a very pleas-
ing effect
On approaching the banks of the Severn, the scene grows more
picturesque, and from Purton Ferry it is beautiful in the extreme.
The Severn in this part assumes the appearance of a placid lake, the
shores sloping on every side like an emerald esplanade ; except on
the Dean Forest side, where a small chain of cliffs appear, resembling
a range of triumphal arches, -crowned with stunted oaks. About the
middle of the river, a small opening discloses the picturesque scenery
around Berkeley, among whose shades resides the venerable Dr.
Jenner, devoting his whole time to acts of benevolence. May the
evening of his days be as peaceful and serene as his life has been
beneficent to mankind !
On arriving on the Dean Forest side of the river, a shady walk
afforded many charming views of the majestic river I had just crossed,
conducting me to the Viney hill. Beneath appeared the neat little
village of Blakeney embossed in fruit trees in full blossom. The
Severn likewise appeared like a silver crescent glittering between two
strings of emeralds. The Cotswolds rise gradually from the bosom
of the river, and swell into a magnificent amphitheatre, their sides
crowued with all the beauties of luxuriant vegetation.
On a small green near the above-mentioned village, a large party of
rustics were engaged in their Whitsuntide amusement of Morris
dancing, and the appearance of the dancers covered with ribbons
gliding at intervals through the vistas formed by the fruit trees, had a
very pleasing effect
The Morris, or more properly the Moresque Dance, was introduced
into England as early as the reign of Henry the Seventh, and, as its
name imports, is of Moorish origin, and the more grotesque the dress
and actions of the dancers are, the more near they resemble the
antient dance. *For this reason I think the Morris Dance of Dean
Forest bears a striking similitude to the original. They literally cover
their bodies and hats with ribbons of all colours, and, preceded by two
* See Brand's "Popular Antiquities," vol. i. p. 257.
Customs of the Forest of Dean. 35
persons bearing a flag and two rusty swords, a Tom Fool (as they
call him), and a Maid Marian, they cut the most ridiculous capers
and contortions, and actually fulfil these lines of Goldsmith,
" The dancing pair that simply sought renown,
By holding out, to tire each other down."
[Deserted Village.]
Leaving the Morris dancers, I turned to the right and descended
into a deep ravine, the acclivities on each side being thickly over-
spread with orchards. I ascended the steep eminence of Blakeney
Hill, from whence I caught a full view of the Severn, then roaring and
thundering amid the black and craggy rocks that in some parts inter-
sect it. Kingroad, where it swells into a sea, was distinctly visible,
and the eye ranged over a scene as beautiful and picturesque as any
in our isle.
The scenery from thence to Coleford is nearly uniform. Sloping hills
covered with the golden-coloured furze, and secluded vallies through
which generally murmured a tinkling stream, afforded a pleasing con-
catenation of rural objects.
The foresters, from the secluded situation of this part of the
country, and by not mixing much with their more enlightened neigh-
bours, have a great many superstitious customs among them, of which
the following are some of the most remarkable.
They implicitly believe old Christmas (sth of January) to be the
real Christmas Day, and no arguments whatever would convince them
of their error. On that night (they say), exactly at twelve o'clock,
the herb rosemary blossoms, which is a proof that our Saviour was
born at that hour. The oxen likewise kneel down at the same time ;
and some will go so far as to say they have actually seen these
prodigies.
On old Christmas Day they will not suffer any females to enter
their houses, and during the above day and the eleven succeeding
ones, they will not suffer any fire to be taken out of their houses. If
you ask them their reasons for observing the above customs, they will
tell you it is unlucky to break them, and recount several strange acci-
dents which have happened to persons who have been presumptuous
enough to do so.
At the new Moon they turn the money in their pockets, thinking it
to be lucky.
They believe in witchcraft, and wonderful are the tales they relate
of wizards, apparitions, and enchanters.
If you admit this paper into your Miscellany, I shall at some future
time give you a more detailed account of Dean Forest scenery and
manners, for the subject is far from being exhausted.
W. S. WlCKENDEN.
3—2
36 Social Manners aud Customs.
Village Customs at Scopwick, Lincolnshire.
[1833, A** '••//• "6, "7-1
The village feast, which is celebrated in the week after Old Holy
Rood, still retains some vestiges of ancient hospitality ; and the most
ample preparations are made in the preceding week for the important
solemnity. Every cottage undergoes a thorough scarification. Mops,
brooms, and whitewash, are in high request, and such scrubbing and
scouring are not witnessed at any other season of the year ; no, not
at the formidable May-day. Each plaister floor is washed white, and
decorated with a running pattern in black, produced from a composi-
tion of soot and water, to imitate a carpet or floorcloth. The visitors
are expected with an eager anxiety ; nothing else is talked of amongst
the housewives of the village ; every other consideration is absorbed
in anticipation of the approaching week ; and on the Saturday
evening, a general delivery of game, provided by the liberality of Mr.
Chaplin, the proprietor of the lordship, takes place, and every cottage
is furnished with a hare for the solace of its inmates, whose hospitality
is exercised by the invitation of their distant friends and relations, and
innocent mirth prevails throughout the village during the early part of
the week. I rejoice to witness their unsophisticated festivity, which,
I am happy to say, the curse of political dissension has not yet em-
bittered. And woe be to those unquiet spirits who employ their
leisure and abilities in scattering the seeds of discontent and dissen-
sion through the country, blasting the social enjoyments of the honest
peasant, and destroying the peace and happiness of society by foment-
ing discord between the pastor and his flock, the landlord and the
tenant, the servant and his master !
The peasantry in this village are happy, quiet, and contented. The
farmers stand at a moderate rent, under a most estimable and kind-
hearted landlord (Charles Chaplin, esq., who resides at Blankney in
the immediate neighbourhood,) and give the labourers good wages and
constant employment. In addition to which Mr. Chaplin has assigned
to every labourer a rood of land, at a nominal rent, for spade cultiva-
tion at his leisure hours, which not only furnishes his family with
vegetables for the whole year, but enables him to feed his pig (many
of them feed two), and it is an agreeable sight to behold their chimney-
corners decorated with ample flitches of bacon. Nor are their closets
destitute of the invigorating beverage proceeding from Sir John
Barleycorn ; for the farmers give to each labourer four strikes of malt
at different seasons of the year, which furnish a supply sufficient for
their necessary wants ; and to their credit be it spoken, though I
have now been residing amongst them upwards of a year, and in
constant and familiar intercourse with them as their pastor, I have
never yet witnessed or heard of a single instance of intoxication in the
Village Customs at Scopwick, Lincolnshire. 37
parish. They duly appreciate the exertions which are made for their
comfort, and requite them by a return of civility and decorum.
Hence a place of punishment for disorderly persons has long been
unnecessary in this quiet parish. The stocks have been for many
years in a state of dilapidation and decay ; and the antient tumbrel
or cucking stool, which was placed by the prior of Haverholm, under
the authority of his charter, over the mill-dam, near the premises now
occupied by Mr. Hodgson, for the castigation of female offenders, has
been removed time out of mind.
The annual perambulations formerly observed here for the purpose
of preserving the boundaries of the parish, have been discontinued
from the period of the inclosure ; and the subject is only introduced
to place on record a custom which I have not elsewhere noticed. At
different points there were small holes made in the ground, which
were re-opened on this occasion, and the boys who accompanied the
procession were made to stand on their heads in these holes, as a
method of assisting the memory ; and several persons are now living,
who, by this expedient, can distinctly remember where every hole was
placed.
Yours, eta GEO. OLIVER.
Village Customs at Clee, Lancashire.
[1829, Part /., //. 416-17.]
The annual wake, or feast of dedication, is kept up in this parish
[Clee, Lincolnshire], with some spirit ; but, as fanaticism increases,
the rustic sports of our forefathers are gradually laid aside. It was,
within my remembrance, celebrated with great merriment for three or
four days ; and the evenings were spent in dancing and other rational
amusements. The latter custom, however, is almost entirely sup-
pressed ; on which subject old Stow makes the following very appro-
priate and sensible observation ; " these open pastimes in my youth
being now supprest, worse practices within doors are to be feared."
The origin of our village feasts is thought to have been derived from
the annual festivals which were instituted by the heathen in honour
of particular deities ; and it may have some reference to the Jewish
feast of Dedication, as the celebrations here spoken of are commonly
held on the anniversary of the dedication of the parish Church. In
Saxon times, when the inhabitants of this island were but newly con-
verted to Christianity, and unwilling to abandon their accustomed
festivities, an edict was issued by Pope Gregory, allowing them to
celebrate the dedication of their Churches by an annual feast ; and
that their former prejudices might not be violated by too abrupt a re-
nunciation of their ancient enjoyments, they had the further privilege
of erecting bowers about the Churches, and even of killing animals,
though not, as heretofore, in sacrifice to their senseless deities, but to
38 Social Manners and Customs.
entertain their friends with emotions of gratitude to God their common
benefactor. Thus, the Feast of Dedication at Clee was held on
Trinity Sunday, and the week following, in the Churchyard, for many
centuries after the prohibitory statute of 13 Edw. I. had made the
custom penal ; and a singular practice still prevails, which has been
continued by prescription from a remote period of antiquity ; probably
from the time when the Church was dedicated, as it is a usage which
was commonly practised on such occasions. On the feast Sunday the
Church is gaily strewed with fresh mown grass, the fragrance of which
is extremely grateful ; and on that day the congregation is generally
very numerous. Some pious female, whose name has escaped tradi-
tion, for the purpose of perpetuating this custom, bequeathed to the
Churchwardens for the time being, three acres of land in the field, on
the tenure of providing fresh grass to strew the Church on Trinity
Sunday.
The funerals are conducted with great formality. At the death of
an individual, a messenger is despatched to every householder in the
village, with an invitation to join in procession to the Church ; and it
happens, not unfrequently, that the corpse is attended to its final
resting-place by a concourse of three or four hundred persons. In
early times it was customary in this parish to crown such young
females as died in their virginity with a triumphant chaplet composed
of fillagree work, as a testimony of their conquest over the lusts of the
flesh. This token of respect merged, in process of time, into the
practice of gracing the procession of young unmarried women, with
children of their own sex, habited in white, and arranged in pairs, and
bearing garlands cut in white paper, emblematical of their incorrupted
innocence, variously disposed according to the rank or situation of
the deceased, together with long slips of white paper to represent
ribbons, and other pieces cut into the form of gloves, all of which
were solemnly suspended when the funeral was over, in some con-
spicuous part of the Church, where they remained as a perpetual
trophy, or memento of the virginity of the deceased. This practice
is of considerable antiquity, and derived probably from the Romans,
who hung garlands about the tombs of young people, as we learn from
Lucian, Tibullus, and others. On these papers inscriptions were fre-
quently written, containing the name and age of the deceased, with
verses expressive of the domestic virtues for which she had been
remarkable. Some had an hourglass affixed to them as an emblem
of mortality ; and in all cases the skill and ingenuity of the young
friends of the deceased were exercised to vary these little tokens of
their affection, and to express the esteem they had entertained for
their departed companion. This pretty custom prevailed at Clee
down to a very recent period ; and I regret that in the year 1819,
when the Church underwent a thorough repair, these emblems of
innocence and friendship were finally removed.
Village Customs at Clee, Lancashire. 39
With an account of one existing custom I shall conclude my notice *
of this parish, which has extended to a much greater length than I at
first proposed. The parishioners present the Vicar, every Easter, with
a quantity of eggs collected in the parish ; which was anciently con-
sidered as a peace offering, but now as a sort of commutation for the
tithe of that article throughout the year. The egg was considered by
all nations as a fit emblem of the resurrection from the dead;
because, after it has remained for a considerable time in a dormant
state resembling death, by the process of incubation, it will produce
a living animal And hence the propriety of a present of eggs at
Easter, the season of Our Saviour's resurrection from the dead.
GEO. OLIVER.
Parish Feasts: or Country Wakes.
[1738,^.465-7.]
I am now in the country, and at that Season of the Year in which
Parish Feasts abound. I hear of one every Sunday kept in some
Village or other of the Neighbourhood, and see great Numbers of
both Sexes in their Holiday Cloaths, constantly flocking thither, to
partake of the Entertainment of their Friends and Relations, or to
divert themselves with the rural Games and athletick Exercises.
This custom is of great Antiquity, most of our Country Parishes
having from Time immemorial kept their Anniversary Festival, call'd
in some Counties a Feast, in others a Wake. It is not only of a
publick, but religious Nature, being properly a Feast of Dedication,
originally instituted in remembrance of something separated, offer'd,
and appropriated to the immediate Honour and Service of the Deity.
[A portion is here omitted].
After the Jews, the Christians began very early to follow this good
Custom of consecrating Churches and Oratories with much Solemnity
of religious Rites and Prayers, and to refine upon the gross Practice
of those who had gone before them, that the supreme Deity might be
worshipp'd in the most compleat Beauty of Holiness. As the
Heathens of old dedicated their Temples, and committed themselves
to the immediate Service and'Protection of those Gods and Goddesses
whom they lik'd best, calling one the Temple of Jupiter, another the
Temple of Minerva, another the Temp e of Vulcan : And as the Jews
had dedicated their Temples, Sanctuaries, Synagogues, or Proseucha;,
to God, under the special Title of the God of Israel : So the Christians
consecrated their Churches and Chapels for the sole Service and
Honour of the Name of their Master. But as these Corruptions we
call Popery, in worshipping Angels and Saints, began to prevail ; they
did not only begin to build Churches very fast everywhere, with
unequall'd Zeal, Expence, and Magnificence, but also dedicated them
4Q Social Manners and Customs,
to the peculiar Service of such Angels, Apostles, Saints and Martyrs
whose Protection and Mediation, under God, they most of all
desir'd. From them the Churches took their Names, one being
call'd St. Michael's, another St Mary's, another St. Clement's, another
St Peter's, another St. Paul's. I say nothing of St Barnabas, because
the Antiquaries have observed, that few or none are any where found
honour'd with his Name, except one at Rome.
As also the Heathens usually celebrated Annual Festivals, in
Honour and Memory of their Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes, resorting
together at their Temples and Tombs ; and as the Jews constantly
kept their Anniversary Feast of Dedication in remembrance of Judas
their Deliverer : So it hath been an ancient Custom among the
Christians of this Island to keep a Feast every Year upon a certain
Week or Day, in Remembrance of the finishing the Building of their
Parish Church, and of the first solemn dedicating of it to the Service
of God, and committing of it to the Care of some guardian Saint or
Angel. At this Time they were to express their Thanks to their
Maker for the Enjoyment of so great a Blessing, as a Place for divine
Worship ; and to do Honour to that Saint of the Parish whose Name
it bears. Thus, without Question, the original Cause and Design of
Parish Wakes or Feasts was, to preserve in Memory the Dedication
of the Parish Church. And of this there might be some Difference.
For some might be owing purely to a Custom voluntarily begun and
established by the People, but others were held by publick Command
and Authority. So this very Feast of Dedication, as well as other
Festivals, we find ordered formerly by a particular Canon Law or
Constitution made in the Reign of Edward III.* which might only be
a Revival and Reinforcement of an old Canon made above 800 Years
before. For the Dedication of Churches, and the Annual Commemo-
ration of such Dedications, is of longer standing. We find it
mentioned so far backward, as in the Reign of Edward the Confessor;
and not only so, but I have somewhere read, that it was first ordered
in the Pontificate of Felix the Third, about the Year of Christ 483, or
a little after.
»- 522.523-]
From the Heathen Custom of bringing Flowers, Incense, and Provi-
sions to the Tombs and Monuments of their Heroes, and there making
Sacrifices and Oblations, and using Sports and Exercises in honour
of the Dead, I suppose the Christian Custom arose of meeting at the
Graves of their Saints and Martyrs with Prayers, Praises and devout
Ceremonies. For the primitive Christians made no scruple to imitate
many Heathen Solemnities, when they thought they could do it
innocently, without becoming guilty of Idolatry or Superstition.
They did not believe it could be a Sin in itself to symbolize and agree
* Gibson's Codex, p. 280.
.* ;*•
Parish Feasts: or Country Wakes. 41
with even Pagans, Jews, Infidels, Hereticks, and Sinners, in any
harmless, useful, and good Thing ; and from meeting at the Graves
of Saints and Martyrs, arose the custom of making and using Sports,
Pastimes, Exercises, and Trials of Skill, in the Church-yards, or near
them.
This Feast was at first regularly kept on every Day of the Week,
on which the Church was dedicated. But it being observed and com-
plain'd of, that the Number of Holidays was excessively increased, to
the Detriment of civil Government and secular Affairs ; and also that
the great Irregularities and Licentiousness, into which these Festivities
were run by degrees, especially in the Churches, Chapels, and Church-
yards, brought no small Injury to Piety, Virtue, and good Manners :
Therefore Statute and Canon-Law was made to regulate and restrain
them, and by an Act of Convocation pass'd by Henry the Eighth in
the year 1536, their Number was in some Measure lessen'd. The
Feast of Dedication of every Church was order'd to be kept upon*
one and the same Day everywhere, that is, on the first Sunday in
October ; and the Church Holiday, that is, the Saint's Day, to which
the Church is dedicated, intirely laid aside. And tho' this Act be
not at present much observ'd, yet this might be the Reason why these
Feasts or Wakes began to be respited and put off till the Sunday
following the proper Day, as we now observe them, that the People
for whose Amusement and Diversion they were partly design'd,
might not have too many and too frequent Avocations from their
necessary and domestick Business. This shows at once, why all our
Feasts now begin upon a Sunday, and who the Saint is, to whose
principal Care both the Church and Parish have been committed.
For, if the Feast hath been all along from one Generation to another
regularly observed, his Name should stand in the preceding Week of
the Calendar.
These Feasts on Sundays are still observ'd as Times of Entertain-
ment and Pleasure ; but, to avoid unseemly Noise and Disturbance
upon a Day of Holiness, the Sports and Diversions are now in many
Villages prudently deferr'd till the Monday after ; and I wish this
Regulation had been made in all Parishes.
Some of our old Parochial Churches in this Island (if any such are
now standing) were antiently Heathen Temples, built by Heathens,
and dedicated to Heathen Deities. And, for Instance, the Anti-
quaries suppose that the Temple of Diana stood formerly in that
Part of the City, where St. Paul's Cathedral is now erected ; and that
the Collegiate Church of St Peter's in Westminster was once the
Temple of Apollo. In Memory of the building and dedicating of
which Temples, Festivals were instituted and celebrated every Year
after the Manner of the Heathens. These Temples, together with
their religious Ceremonies and Festivals, were not intirely destroy'd
* Clergyman's Vade Mecum.
42 Social Manners and Customs.
and abolish'd at the first Approach of Christianity, but only by* gentle
Degrees and prudent Methods reformed and converted, as far as
reasonable and possible, from the Service of the Heathen Deities to
that of the Christian God. So that one Original of our Parish Feasts
seems to have been no more than the changing of a Heathen
Custom into a Christian. And the greater Part of the rest are deriv'd
from those Roman Catholicks, who, (to their immortal Honour be it
spoken !) left us most of our antient holy Structures.
W. C.
On the Resemblance between the Welch and Grecian
Customs.
[1758, /• 484-]
It is probable that the Grecians traded with the antient Britons ;
'tis certain they came from Cyprus to Cornwall for tin. By this
means many Greek words were adopted into the old British lan-
guage, and many Grecian customs and public diversions were learnt
by the Britons. It appears from Homer that the Grecians were
boasters of their pedigree ; and this is still the humour of the Welch,
where every old woman is a genealogist. The Grecians were hos-
pitable to strangers, and so are the Welch. The former had funeral
games ; the latter play all the antics imaginable the night before a
funeral. There were begging poets in Greece, and there are begging
bards in Wales. The Grecians were lovers of dancing, running,
wrestling, boxing, and quoiting ; so are the Welcht The Grecian
superstition is at this very time a part of the religion of the peasants
in Wales. They talk of wand'ring ghosts, goblins, witches, conjurers ;
of a person's destiny calling to him before his death ; nay, more — of
seeing the devil They regard omens, dreams, and divination. They,
like the Grecians, entertain their reapers with music, and use it at
funerals and weddings.
As to the origin of the Britons, there can be no doubt they are
descended from the warlike Gauls. The Saxons, who came to assist
them against the Picts, drove them into Wales, Cornwall, and
Britany. Fourteen thousand Flemings, in process of time, settled in
Pembrokeshire by the consent of the King of England. The Welch,
however, are at this time great lovers and admirers of the English,
with whom they make up one kingdom, having the same laws and
the same established religion, with this peculiar privilege, that they
pay but one half of what the English do in the pound towards the
land-tax.
A. B.
* Collier's Eccl. Hist. p. 73.
Shepherds' Customs, 43
Shepherds' Customs.
- 57>, 572-1
As there is something very entertaining to the mind, as well as
useful, in reviewing the manners of antiquity, I should be obliged to
any of your learned correspondents for the pleasure of knowing the
methods which the shepherds of Jewry, and the eastern countries,
followed in the care of their flocks. In St John x. 3, 4, we have
these words : " To him the porter openeth ; and the sheep hear his
voice : and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them
out : and when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them,
and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice." On these words
Dr. Hammond observes: ist, " That the shepherds of Judea know
every sheep severally." (This, as I have been informed by a gentle-
man of true value, has been attained to by a shepherd in our own
country.) 2ndly, "That the shepherds of that country had a dis-
tinct name for every sheep, which each sheep knew and answered
by obedient coming, or following, to that call." This, as very un-
usual with us, scarce gains credit ; and yet what is there wonderful
in it ? Why might not names be given to flocks of sheep, as well as
to herds of bullocks ? and why may not sheep, led into their fold
every night by the shepherd, and brought out every morning (fed
when young, in a great measure, too, by hand), be taught to follow
the accustomed voice of their shepherd, and distinguish that voice,
too, from the voice of a strariger ? That the shepherd gave them
names appears, in some measure, from the above cited passage of
St. John, but more fully from Theocritus, Id. v. 2, 103, 104, where
a shepherd calls three of his sheep by their names ; and that the
shepherds often went before, while the flock followed, is above
asserted by St. John in express words. Hence God, who is said to
go before the Israelites, in a pillar of cloud by day, and in a pillar of
fire by night, is, Ps. Ixxx. i, stiled the Shepherd of Israel that led
Joseph like a flock ; hence the title of shepherd, Isa. xliv. 28, is
given by God to Cyrus, and by the most antient authors to kings,
who headed their armies to battle ; and since David was an expert
shepherd as well as divine poet, after whose sweet strains his flock
doubtless went, the fable of Orpheus may, I think, be easily de-
duced from thence.
But the care of these shepherds did not stop here. They seem to
have trained up the ram to collect the flock when anyway scattered,
and thus to draw them together into that regular order in which
sheep brought together naturally stand. Let it be observed that I
am not here positive, though Lucian says of Polyphemus, the shep-
herd, ordering the ram what things he ought to do for me. Homer
has a comparison of the same nature ; and it must be owned that
44 Social Maniters and Customs.
all poetical comparisons either were known, or supposed to have a
real existence in nature, and that Homer would not have compared
Ulysses, drawing up his men, to a ram ordering the flock, unless
some such thing had really, or supposedly been done. The words
of Homer may as well be seen in Mr. Pope's translation as in the
original :
"This said, once more he view'd the warrior train :
What's he, whose arms lie scattered on the plain ?
Broad is his breast, his shoulders larger spread,
Tho' great Atrides overtops his head.
Nor yet appear his care and conduct small ;
From rank to rank he moves, and orders all.
The stately ram thus measures o'er the ground,
And, master of the flock, surveys them round."
[fliad, iii. 252.]
This use of the ram at present our sheep-dogs supply ; but the dogs
of the shepherds at that time appear from Theocritus (see Id. v.
1. 1 06, and Id. vi 1. n) to be wolf-dogs, kept to preserve the flock
from wolves, and other wild beasts.
There remains yet one very curious observation, and established
on the indisputable authority of Philo Judaeus. That philosopher,
a Jew, born and bred in Egypt, must of course be acquainted with
their customs, and has these remarkable words in his ist chapter
concerning the creation :
"Woolly rams laden with thick fleeces, in spring season, being
ordered by their shepherd, stand without moving, and silently stoop-
ing a little, put themselves into his hand to have their wool shorn ;
being accustomed, as cities are, to pay their yearly tribute to man,
their king by nature."
Their sheep, it is plain, stood unconstrained before the hand of
the shearer.
These things may appear strange to us, who never attempted to
know what the docility of a sheep is ; and I shall leave it to the
consideration of naturalists, whether or no the shepherds of these
countries were not much assisted in this their government of their
sheep, by giving them names, while in the state of lambs ; and by
using them to come and go daily by these names. Our Saviour's
expression in St John of calling His own sheep by name, and lead-
ing them out, seems to favour this hypothesis. If this is granted,
then, all the other difficulties vanish ; since every creature conver-
sant about man is known to be teachable by names and sounds con-
tinually impressed on him, to do things almost incredible to those
who do not duly consider the docility of these creatures. I shall
only add that a sheep standing in this silent inclining posture, willing
to part with his fleece for the good of man, is justly made by the
prophet Isaiah, ch. liii. v. 7, to image out our Saviour, who laid down
Harvest Customs in Devonshire. 45
His life of Himself, standing in the most meek, uncomplaining
manner before his judge, when He was afflicted and oppressed, yet
He opened not His mouth ; when He was brought as a lamb to the
slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He opened not
His mouth.
JOHN COLERIDGE.
Harvest Customs in Devonshire.
[1816, Part II., pp. 408-9.]
The reaping and harvesting of the wheat in the county of Devon
is attended with so heavy an expence, and with practices of so very
disorderly a nature, as to call for the strongest mark of disapprobation,
and their immediate discontinuance, or at least a modification of their
pastime after the labours of the day. The wheat being ready to cut
down, and amounting to from ten to twenty acres, notice is given in
the neighbourhood that a reaping is to be performed on a particular
day, when, as the farmer may be more or less liked in the village, on
the morning of the day appointed, a gang consisting of an indefinite
number of men and women assemble at the field, and the reaping
commences after breakfast, which is seldom over till between eight
and nine o'clock. This company is open for additional hands to
drop in, at any time before the twelfth hour, to partake of the frolick
of the day. By eleven or twelve o'clock the ale and cider has so
much warmed and elevated their spirits, that their noisy jokes and
ribaldry are heard to a considerable distance, and often serve to draw
auxiliary force within the accustomed time. The dinner, consisting
of the best meat and vegetables, is carried into the field between
twelve and one o'clock ; this is distributed with copious draughts of
ale and cider ; and by two o'clock the pastime of cutting and binding
the wheat is resumed, and continued without other interruption than
the squabbles of the party, until about five o'clock, when what is
called the drinkings are taken into the field, and under the shade of
a hedge-row or a large tree, the panniers are examined, and buns,
cakes, and all such articles are found as the confectionary skill of the
farmer's wife could produce for gratifying the appetites of her cus-
tomary guests at this season. After the drinkings are over, which
generally consume from half to three quarters of an hour (and even
longer if such can be spared from the completion of the field) the
amusement of the wheat-harvest is continued with such exertions as
draw the reaping and binding of the field together with the close of
the evening ; this done, a small sheaf is bound up and set upon the
top of one of the ridges, when the reapers retiring to a certain dis-
tance, each throws his reap-hook at the sheaf until one more fortunate,
or less inebriated than the rest, strikes it down. This achievement is
accompanied with the utmost stretch and power of the voices of the
46 Social Manners and Customs.
company, uttering words very indistinctly, but somewhat to this pur-
pose— " we" ha in ! we" ha in !" concluding with a horrid yell resem-
bling the war-whoop of the Indian savages, which noise and tumult
continue for about half an hour, when the company retire to the
farm-house to supper; which being over, large portions of ale and
cider enable them to carouse and vociferate until two or three o'clock
in the morning. At the same house, or that of a neighbouring
farmer, a similar scene is renewed, beginning between eight and nine
o'clock in the morning following, and so continued through the precious
season of the wheat-harvest in this country. It must be observed,
that the labourers thus employed in reaping, receive no wages ; but in
lieu thereof they have an invitation to the farmer's house, to partake
of a harvest frolic, and at Christmas also, during the whole of which
time, and which seldom continues less than four or five days, the
house is kept open night and day to the guests, whose behaviour
during the time may be assimilated to the frolics of a bear-garden.
J. S.
Custom of Shot Corn.
[1806, Part I., pp. 16, 17.]
The other day I was looking over the copy of an endowment of a
vicarage in the I3th century, where, after mentioning the pension or
annual stipend, and the various tithes to be received by the Vicar, it
mentions also " the custom called shot corn." I believe I have some-
where met with the expression before, but cannot recollect whether
any explanation accompanied it, and feel much doubt to what it can
relate, being at present far from books which might give some insight
into the matter. I should therefore be much obliged to some of your
numerous correspondents for their opinion ; as probably the custom
may be referred to in many other endowments of that and the next
century. Perhaps they may satisfy many of your readers, as well as
myself, whether the custom was abolished by any Act of Parliament
at the Reformation, as well as what it consisted in ; or whether it may
not still continue, being a part of the ecclesiastical provision made for
the resident or officiating minister for some centuries before. Whether
in hazarding a conjecture, that the expression common in some
counties, of " shooting out grain " from a sack or bag into any other,
or upon a floor, etc., might possibly come from this custom, I may
suggest a proper explanation ; and if so, whether it consisted of any
certain measure or quantity to be given by each person in the parish
growing corn, towards the maintenance of the Vicar and his servants,
similar to what was given to the monks of any abbey or priory on
certain occasions. These are subjects of considerable importance,
which your learned correspondents will feel happy in ascertaining, to
the satisfaction of many, as well as
Yours, etc, INVESTIGATOR.
Custom of Shot Corn. 47
[1806, Part II., p. 423.]
I would submit to the consideration of Investigator, who, in p. 16,
asks for an explanation of " the custom called shot corn,' whether it
may not be the antient Cypicreeae, a tribute or payment made to the
Church, usually in corn, which might thence be called " seot " (or
vulgarly "shot") "corn."
The precise quantity of corn, or other articles, paid as Church-
scot, is, I believe, at this time unknown ; but it would doubtless vary
with the fertility of the land, and state of cultivation, in different
parts of the kingdom. " Scot " and " Shot " seem to be synonymous :
" scot free " and " shot-free " being indifferently used to express " free
of expence or obligation."
" Pay the shot " is also a common provincial phrase for " discharge
the reckoning ;" though the Sussex topers, as a Southern friend informs
me, sometimes say " pay Lord John," which may possibly be a cor-
ruption of " F Argent" and deserve notice as a curious remain of our
Norman subjugation.
Yours, etc., WILLIAM HAMPER.
[1806, Part 21., p. 902.]
In reply to "Investigator," p. 16, concerning the ancient "custom
called shot-corn ;" I am apt to believe it consisted of a certain quan-
tity of Corn payable to the Rector, or Vicar, of a parish annually.
Several customs of this nature were originally in use ; some of which
yet remain in many of our antient parishes ; particularly " church-
shot ;" which was a house-tax payable at Martinmas, for that holme
and that hearth where a man resided the preceding Christmas. " Light
shot," or " candle money," was discharged three times a year ; a half-
penny worth of wax from each hide of land upon Easter Eve, All
Saints, and Candlemas. " Soul-shot," a burial fee, contingent on the
performance of duty, and paid at the open grave : nay, sometimes,
although the body was not interred in the parish, the " soul-shott "
was discharged to the minster to which the person belonged. There
was also another custom used by our ancestors, viz. " Plough-alms,"
which was a penny from every plough-land in the parish, and gene-
rally paid within fifteen days after Easter. " Shot-corn," therefore,
clearly appeaf s to me to have been a certain quantity of Corn paid as
before observed, or money in lieu of the same. It is also necessary
to add, that the customs above-mentioned were made by the Saxons
for the better provision of the Clergy. Should these observations be
of any service to " Investigator," it will give great pleasure to
Yours, etc., W. ALDIS.
On Ancient Land-marks and Boundaries.
[1827, Part II., pp. 29I-93-]
In a pamphlet entitled "Illustrations of Avebury and Silbury"
[1827], by the Rev. W. L. Bowles, the extraordinary mount of Silbury is
48 Social Manners and Customs.
presumed to have been dedicated to the Celtic deity Teutates, the
Egyptian Thoth, the Phoenician Teut, or more modern Mercury. In
addition to the many curious and highly interesting observations of the
Rev. Gentleman, I beg to offer a few remarks upon the deity Mercury,
his powers, and his sites of worship, which, while they corroborate the
opinions advanced, may also account for the proximity of Silbury and
the Temple of Avebury to the frontier boundary of Wansdyke.
Man in his early state knew no bounds of territory, —
" The world was all before him, where to choose
His place of rest, and Providence his guide."
Increasing population narrowed his limits, till not only tribes had
boundaries, but individuals their land-marks. A rude stone was raised
on the limits of each man's territory, and we may infer that it was a
custom of the highest antiquity, by the mention made of olden times,
in the following passage, for the due observance of these thoths or
land-marks : " Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's land-mark,
which they of old time have set in thy inheritance."*
The stone which Minerva hurled at Mars was black, rough, and
vast, and was placed by men of former times as a boundary of cultivated
land.t
Again, we read :
" Sn xum antiquum ingens, campo quod forte jacebat,
Limes agro positus, litem ut discerneret arvis."
These passages from the Scriptures and from Homer prove the
remote antiquity of the land-marks ; and the universality of the
custom is as wonderful, as it is curious to observe the rights which
have sprung from the respect paid to land-marks, and which even
still remain, notwithstanding the lapse of so many ages. Leaving,
however, the boundary marks of individuals, let us observe the thoths
of higher import, which divided the lands of nations, and trace the
respect paid to them by an assembled mass of people, whose minds,
eagerly absorbing every tint of superstition, ultimately converted the
land-mark to a deity, and actually placed themselves under the pro-
tection of a rude stone, which they were bound to defend. Early
mention is made of a thoth or boundary mark between Jacob and
Laban. A pillar is raised by Jacob and his father-in-law ; after which,
to impress the division of land and the compact more fully upon the
minds of the attending tribes, they are called upon to become
witnesses of the deed, and to gather stones in a heap, which was not
to be passed over with malevolent intentions towards Laban. A
sacrifice was made upon the mount, and the carousal lasted the whole
nightj
The dividing portion of land between two tribes would not be
positively claimed by either party ; it would be as common land or
* Deut. xix. 14. f Iliad, b. xxi. 403. ; Gen. xxxi. 44-54.
Ancient Land-marks and Boundaries. 49
neutral territory. It would be respected by both tribes, — the cove-
nant oath taken at the thoth would render it respected. Time would
mellow it as sacred, and departed chiefs were buried near the deity.
Superstition worked upon the human mind ; the neutral ground,
bearing on its surface the humble but imperishable tumulus, within
which were deposited the ashes of their warlike heroes, became
doubly venerated as the sanctuary of the dead, and the limits over
which their deity presided with his mighty influence Hills and pro-
montories became chosen as the boundary marks ; the thoth was
erected on them ; a statue of Terminus was on the Tarpeian rock.
And we find that Joshua was buried in the border of his inheritance in
Timnath-Serah, which is in Mount Ephraim on the north side of the
hill of Gaash.* (Evidently two hills of note opposite to each other,
as Tan and Silbury Hills.) On Mount Cyllene, a chain of land
bounding Arcadia from Achesia, was not only the sepulchre of ./Epytus,
which Homer mentions as an old land-mark, \ but also a temple to
Mercury. The Scythian barrows are on elevated ridges,J and many
tumuli are in a desert which is the southern boundary of Siberia ;§
while some of the present Russian Tartar tribes bury on eminences.
The custom of performing worship on high places was universal. The
teocalli of the Mexicans was raised in the midst of a square and walled
inclosure. On its summit blazed the holy fire from whence the priest
was seen by a great mass of people at his holy rites ; and within the
inclosure kings and chieftains were deposited. Such was the temple
to Jupiter Belus ; and on a small Roman token, a temple to Venus
is represented on a high mound surrounded by a wall. || Bailey, in
his Etymological Dictionary, gives the translation of Aaron to be the
Man of the Mountain ; thus we find the high priest receiving his
name from the site of his worship and his ceremonies. In the Nepaul
territory Mount Simbi is a holy spot ;1f and to come nearer to the
point, we find that on the summit of Mount Dunon in Alsacia, which
for a long period was the frontier dividing that province from the
principality of Salm, stood the ruins of a temple, which by the evidence
of inscriptions was dedicated (like the temple on Mount Cyllene) to
Mercury.** Thus far we have many analogies in support of Mr.
Bowles's opinion, that Silbury Hill was the hill of Mercury ; and in
my opinion, when we remember that it was mostly on frontiers that
temples to that deity were erected, the hill near Avebury, as well as
the temple itself, is exactly where we might expect them to be, namely,
on the frontiers of those conquering people, who threw up, as their
* Joshua xxiv. 30. t Iliad, ii. 603.
J Henderson's Travels. § Archseologia, ii., p. 222.
II Millin (A. L.) "Galerie Mythologique " [1811], pi. 47, fig. 182.— Vaillant,
num. faem. Rom. vide " Considia."
IT Major Rennell on Hindostan, iii., p. 276.
** Hist, d' Alsace, v. i., lib. 2, p. 95.
4
5O Social Manners and Customs.
last and strongest defence, the vast Wansdyke boundary, and erected
near them the temples, etc., of a mutual covenant.
I will now turn to the games, fairs, and annual meetings formerly
held on frontier lands, which will probably give additional proofs to
the opinion of Mr. Bowles, that the fair on St Anne's day, celebrated
at Tan Hill, is of the most early period.
The rude stone of limitation was converted, in the course of time,
to a proportioned column ; and these pillars being on the confines,
ultimately denoted the territory itself:
" Atrides Protei Menelaus ad usque columnas
Exulat " Virg. ^En. xi. 262.
It was customary, as every one knows, to perform annual rites at
the barrows or graves of the departed At the tomb of Theseus tragic
poets annually contended Virgil sings of the games celebrated at the
tomb of Anchises. The same feelings exist among the American
Indians ; and in Glamorganshire the graves to this day are annually
dressed by surviving relatives with flowers. The sports which were
celebrated in most early days, survived the memory of those chieftains
for whom they were instituted ; but being at all times palatable to
the existing race, they were continued, and the respect paid to the
dead became blended with the worship paid to the divinity. Increas-
ing population and dawning commerce suggested a traffic in mer-
chandize, and the annual season of assembled multitudes became a
time for business and for profit, as well as festivity and debauchery.
The Istmsean and the Nemsean games were both celebrated on frontier
lands ; and at Thermopylae, the frontier dividing Thessaly from Locris,
two annual fairs were held. It was there also that the Amphyctyons
assembled to decide upon political subjects. The Gauls met annually
at the frontiers of the Carnutes to administer justice. " Certo anni
tempore infinibus Carnutum, quas regio totius Gallije media habetur,
considunt in loco consecrato. Hue omnes undique qui controversias
habent conveniunt, eorumque judiciis decretisque parent."*
And to mark the slow decay of most early customs, as though they
were embalmed in the affections of men, we find that political
assemblies were held, even as late as the I4th and isth centuries, at
a thoth or limitation site near the small town of Reuse upon the
Rhine ; to say nothing that in all probability the stone of Scone, now
carefully preserved in Westminster, and over which our Sovereigns
are seated at their Coronation, was originally nothing more or less
than an early boundary mark, black, rough, and vast ; such as I have
already stated Minerva to have hurled at Mars. Near Metz is a waste
land, once perhaps a boundary, and on it was held a fair :
" Aupres de la Saille t y avoit un Champ,
Ou Seigneurs, bourgeois, et Marchancls,
* Caes. Bell. Gal. lib. vi. cap. xiii. f Name of an adjacent river.
fc
Ancient Land-marks and Boundaries. 51
Et toute la communaute',
Faissoient grande solemnete' ;
Parceque parmi passoit Sailles
Etoit nommoit Champ a Saille ;
Tout nul n'en etoit possessant,
Mais etoit commun a tout passant."*
The Russians trade annually on confines with the Chinese. And
probably as a fading relic of former times, we find by the following
receipt, A.D; 1499, that churches and church-yards were the sites of
fairs :
"Receypt. — Item: Rec. at the fayer for a stondyng in the church porch,
iiiji/."t
Nor must I omit to mention that an annual fair is yet held in the
close of Salisbury Cathedral.
The site of Tan Hill being on a frontier, and the fair held upon it
on St. Anne's day, correspond so closely with the above-quoted ex-
amples, that Mr. Bowles appears fully justified in supposing the
present annual season of festivity and frolic to be the shadow of a
most early custom, where probably the bitter shrieks of human victims
were considered requisite to complete the scene.
Relative to the attributes of Mercury, may they not have originated
from the various acts which took place originally at the boundary
stone upon the confines ? The marauder would hasten to his
boundary, and in gratitude for his success, offer a portion of his spoil
to his deity. Hence Mercury became the god of thieves, and hence
the origin of tithes ; as the Greeks always presented a portion of their
plunder taken in war to their divinities. As the boundary lands were
frequently elevated, tribes expecting an attack from their neighbours
would resort to the ground where their deity stood, in order to mark
the approach of an enemy. Vigilance would be required of the
scouts to spread the earliest alarms ; and may it not be from hence
that the cock was deemed the symbol of Mercury ? (See Note n.)
Fearful that I have intruded too long on your valuable columns
and the reader's patience, I will show the sincerity of my fears by
remaining
Yours, etc
WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MILES.
Beating of Bounds — The Ducking Stool.
[1831, Part. II., pp. 504, 505.]
In redemption of a promise made in a former letter, to offer for
permanent record in your Journal, an occasional article containing
an account of certain ancient customs used at Grimsby ; I now beg
to call your attention to two exploded practices, which our precise
* Hist, de Metz, quoted by Dulaure. f Coates's " Reading " [1802], p. 214.
4—2
52 Social Manners and Customs.
forefathers thought it both useful and necessary to observe for the
benefit alike of the morals and property which were consigned to
their superintendence. The first of these is territorial, and was tech-
nically termed " beating the boundaries."
The annual perambulation of the boundaries was a ceremony of
great antiquity and importance in tbe Borough of Grimsby, and in
an old document amongst the Corporation records, it is stated to be
a custom of ancient usage. The day was ushered in with appro-
priate solemnity. The Mayor and his brethren, in their robes of
state, attended by the commonalty of the town, assembled at the
hospital of St John of Jerusalem, and heard Divine Service in the
chapel of that house, performed by the chaplain thereof. After
which they " beat the boundaries " by perambulation ; that is, they
proceeded round the extremities of the parish in every direction ;
pausing at certain points to mark them by peculiar ceremonies. At
some they offered up prayers ; at others they threw money for the
people to scramble for; and at a few they scourged sundry little
boys, to imprint upon their minds a memory of particular places by
means of painful associations. The perambulation concluded, the
Mayor formally claimed the whole space as belonging to the lord-
ship of Grimsby ; and by this practice, annually performed, litigation
was prevented, and the rights of every adjoining parish, as far as
they related to that of Grimsby, were accurately defined. In these
perambulations the jury levied fines for nuisances.
"Grimesbie Magna, ti Car. I. The perambulation of Richard Fotherbie Major
taken the 2ist day of Ap. anno sup'dic't. It is pained that the frontigers on both
sides the fresh water haven from the Salt Ings bridge to the Milne, shall scower
the haven, and make a sufficient drain, every man against his own ground. That
the occupiers ofGouleGarthes shall sufficiently ditch and scower the ditches under
the hedge before Whitsuntide, sub poen. IDS.
These duties performed, the Mayor and his brethren adjourned to
the preceptory, to partake of the procurator's good cheer ; for it was
one of the articles of his tenure to provide ample refreshment for his
visitors on this occasion. The particulars of the progress were then
recorded in the Boundary book, and the party dispersed.
The second custom which I shall briefly notice, as practised by
our forefathers in Grimsby, is in the use of that instrument, so
terrible in the eyes of scolding wives, the Cucking Stool. It was
erected near the Stone bridge, at a place which is still called Duck-
ing-Stool Haven, and was used here from the earliest times, f Madox
has recorded an instance in the former part of King John's reign,
* Corp. Rec. 1 1 Car. I.
t A representation of the Ducking-stool, and the mode of its application, was
extracted from the History of Ipswich, reviewed in the volume for 1831, part i., p. 42.
Beating of Bounds — The Ducking Stool. 53
where the community of the burgh were fined ten marks for consign-
ing a poor woman unjustly to the Ducking Stool In 1646 the
machine was probably out of repair, for the Chamberlains presented
it to the Court on the isth day of October in that year, and it was
ordered to be renewed without delay ; and thirty years afterwards it
came into full operation. A woman named Jane Dutch, about that
time was repeatedly subjected to the ordeal, without deriving the
least benefit from the application. It is recorded of her that the
frigidity of the wave, even in the depth of winter, was insufficient to
cool the fervour of her tongue. Between every dip she favoured
the spectators with abundant specimens of her exhaustless eloquence;
and when the watery castigation was at an end, though dripping wet,
she saluted her persecutors with such an overpowering volley of
high-sounding tropes and rhetorical flourishes, as convinced them
that her weapon of offeree was unconquerable. Indeed, her disorderly
conduct was carried to such a length, without respect to persons,
that the churchwardens were heavily fined for neglecting to present
her in the Ecclesiastical Court
The last lady who occupied the exalted situation of chairwoman
in the Trebucket was Poll Wheldale, about the year 1780. She is
represented as being possessed of great volubility of speech, and
somewhat addicted to scandal withal. This latter quality acquired
for her the distinguished title of Miss Meanwell. The Cucking Stool
was ultimately removed in the year 1796.
Yours, etc. GEO. OLIVER.
Parish Stocks.
y, Part f., p, 488.]
"Michael" having observed in p. 253, upon the total disuse of the
punishment of the Parish Stocks, and requested to be informed as to
the law upon the subject ; permit me to acquaint him, that it is said,
every vill of common right is bound to provide a pair of Stocks, and
is indictable in default thereof, and shall forfeit five pounds. A con-
stable by the common law may confine offenders in the stocks by
way of security, but not by way of punishment. There are several
offences, under different Acts of Parliament, whereby a Magistrate is
empowered, on non-payment of the penalty, to commit an offender
to the stocks, such as those for tippling, drunkenness, and the pro-
fanation of the Sabbath. Persons embezzling silk, to whom it is
entrusted to manufacture, and soldiers or sailors convicted of cursing
or swearing, with many others of a like nature, are subjected to the
punishment of the stocks. I strongly agree with your Correspondent
" Michael," that, were this punishment more often inflicted, it would
be the means of decreasing numberless instances of juvenile de-
54 Social Manners and Customs.
pravity; but let me add, as this punishment, so frequently men-
tioned in our Statutes, is perfectly impossible to be enforced in the
Metropolis, and other places where there are no stocks, what means
are to be used for the purpose of enforcing the fine upon the offen-
ders in such cases ?
SAMUEL HAWTHORN.
Betrothal Ceremony.
[i 747, A 293.]
At the court of Common Pleas was try'd a cause between Miss
Davids of Castle-yard, Holborn, plaintiff, and the Rev. Dr. Wilson,
prebendary of Worcester, canon of Lincoln, and vicar of Newark
upon Trent, defendant The action was laid for io,ooo/. on a
breach of a promise of marriage, when, after a trial of almost a day,
the jury gave a verdict for the plaintiff, with yooo/. damages. — It was
proved by several witnesses, and letters, that the Dr. had frequently
promised to marry her, and prevailed on her to promise him : That
they both had declared the same publickly in a solemn manner :
And that he afterwards having deny'd his making such promise, and
the lady having refused the addresses of a gentleman on account of
her engagement, and being liable to the law, if she married another,
this action was brought, to justify her reputation.
Kubrick of Marriage-Service.
ti 795, //• 727-28.]
A correspondent, p. 576, enquires the reason, why the rubrick of
the marriage-service, in our Liturgy, directs the priest to take the ring,
and to " deliver it to the man, to put it upon the fourth finger of the
woman's left hand."
In answer to this enquiry I have to remark, that it appears from
Aulus Gellius's entertaining Miscellany (lib. x. cap. 10), that the
antient Greeks, and most of the Romans, wore their ring on this very
ringer : in digito sinislrce manus qui minima est proximus. He adds,
that Apion says, that a small nerve runs from this finger to the heart ;
and that, therefore, it was honoured with the office of bearing the
ring on account of its connexion with that master-mover of the vital
functions. Macrobius (Saturnal. lib. vii. cap. 13) assigns the same
reason ; but also quotes the opinion of Ateius Capito, that the right-
hand was exempt from this office because it was much more us,ed than
the left-hand, and therefore the precious stones of the rings were liable
to be broken ; and that the finger of the left-hand was selected which
was the least used.
The reasons here so gravely alleged are, perhaps, equally absurd.
They serve, however, to show the antiquity of the practice. It is well
Rubrick of Marriage-Service. 55
known that, when the empire became Christian, the Clergy retained
as many customs and usages as were indifferent (and, it is to be feared,
some that were not indifferent), for the purpose of conciliating the
minds of the people, and promoting the progress of their religioa
Finding this practice established, they adopted it into their ritual ;
perhaps, from the supposed connexion of this hand with the heart, in
token of sincerity ; and to imply that the contracting parties with
their hands made also an interchange of hearts. That the ring was
used by the Romans in marriage, see Juvenal, Sat. vi. ver. 27.
It is well known with how much moderation and temper our Re-
formers proceeded in clearing the ritual from the corruptions of the
Church of Rome. Such usages as had received the sanction of the
Catholic Church before the springing up of the Papal usurpation, and
such as were not unscriptural or idolatrous, they preferred. Hence
the resemblance between the English Liturgy and the Romish Bre-
viary, which Ignorance, with her usual petulance, is ever forward to
object to the Church of England, is, in effect, highly honourable to
her, inasmuch as it shews her reverence for primitive antiquity, her
liberality in admitting reformation when indispensable, and her wisdom
in rejecting the needless innovation.
How little the Reformation has varied our office of matrimony may
appear from a comparison of the following passage of Chaucer's
Merchant's Tale with the opening exhortation to that office :
"There speaketh many a man of marriage
That wot no more of this than doth my page ;
For whiche causes man should take a wife :
If he may not live chaste in his life,
Take him a wife with great devotion
Because of leful procreation
Of children, to the honour of God above,
And not onlie/ar amour, or for love ;
And for they shoulden letcherie eschue,
And yeeld his debtes when that it is due ;
Or for that eche man shauld helpen other
In mischief, as a suster should the brother,
And live in chastity full heavenly."
A little farther on, he describes the marriage ceremony, and alludes
to two collects still in use :
" But finally y-comen is the day
That to the cherch both twaye ben they went
For to receive the holy sacrament.
Forth comes the priest, with stole about his neck.
And bad her be like Sara anil Rebeck
In wisedome and truth of marriage ;
And said his orisons, as is usage ;
And crouched hem, and bad God should hem ble- s
And made all sure inow with holiness."
Thus we see the great antiquity of some of our modern ceremonies ;
a subject on which I have elsewhere touched, Gent. Mag. voL Ixiv.,
56 Social Manners and Customs.
p. 1090; and on which Dr. Taylor had made large collections. In-
deed, if we may believe him, " the present ceremony (now in fashion
all over Europe), " of saluting the bride " ist o be derived from the
practice of the antient Romans, among whom the husband and his
relations used to salute the wife, in order to perceive whether she had
been guilty of drinking wine, which they made equally criminal with
adultery. The Doctor concludes : " If my reader was acquainted
with but half the passages I could produce, wherein modern customs,
though somewhat alienated from their original design and institution,
retain however so much of their old feature or complexion as to claim
an indisputable relation to some Roman or Grecian solemnity, he
would not be startled, as perhaps he was, at the first mention of this
opinion. I was tempted here to lay before him an instance or two of
this sort, of which I have by me a plentiful collection ; but was
checked upon the reflexion that I but very lately took him out of the
road to shew him a prospect, and therefore rather chose to prosecute
my journey, to which it is possible he may now have no objection."
— Elements of Civil Law, p. 357.
I believe most readers will unite with me in lamenting that this
learned writer followed his second thoughts in this instance, and will
permit me to repeat my hopes that the collection above mentioned
may not be for ever concealed from the public eye.
SCIOLUS.
Your correspondent P. H., p. 576, may find an abundant answer
to his question about the use of the ring in the solemnization of
matrimony in the Church of England in Wheatley's Illustration of the
Common Prayer, pp. 437-440. It is much too long to copy for your
publication ; but as to the particular finger made use of in this cere-
mony, this arises from a very antient notion, though now contradicted
by experience, that "a particular vein proceeds thence to the heart ;"
or, as Mr. Brand observes, in his Observations before quoted, that " a
small artery runs from the heart to this finger." [Ellis's Edit. voL ii.,
p. 103.]
JUVENIS.
[I79S./-987-]
In answer to your correspondent P. H. (p. 576), I beg leave to
inform him that the researches I made in consequence of his query,
respecting a particular form in the marriage ceremony, [shew it to be]
rather trifling, as most of the Monkish customs evidently are. On
turning over the pages of Burn's Ecclesiastical Law, I noted the
following passage :
" The ring, at first (according to Swinburn), was not of gold, but of iron, adorned
with an adamant ; the metal hard and durable, signifying the durance and
perpetuity of the contract. Howbeit (he says) it skilleth not, at this day, what
metal the ring be of; the form of it being round, and without end, doth import
Rubrick of Marriage- Service. 57
that their love should circulate and flow continually. The ringer on which this
ring is to be worn is the fourth linger, on the left hand, next unto the little finger,
because there was supposed a vein of blood to pass from thence into the heart.
Swinb. Matr. Contr. Sect. 15."
Though I am convinced this is not altogether the most satisfactory
interpretation of that mysterious ceremony, yet probably it will reflect
some light upon the subject, and maybe the means of enabling others,
who make the like enquiry, to proceed in their suppositions on a sure
foundation.
FATHER PAUL.
Form of the Marriage Ceremony.
[1752, /. 171.]
The form of matrimony is a remarkable instance of this [the
changeableness of the ordinary forms of contract] : in 1502 a book
was printed by Henry Pepwell with this form :
" I N. undersynge }»e N. for my wedded wyf, for beter, for worse,
" for richer, for porer, yn seknes, and yn help e, tyl def us departe, as
" holy churche hap ordeyned, and ferto y plyjth J>e my trowfe. Et
" iterum accipiat earn per manum dextram in manu sua dextra, et
" ipsa dicat sacerdote docente.
" I N. undersynge pe N. for my wedded housbunde, for beter, for
" worse, for richer, for porer, yn sekeness and yn helfe, to be boxutn
" to ]>e tyl def us depart, as holy churche ha}> ordeyned, and ferto y
" plyjth J>e my trowfe. Vel dicat in materna lingua modo sacerdote
" docente. Wy)> J>ys ryng y J>e wede, and fys gold and seluer yen
" f e jeue, and vvyp myne body yeh )>e honoure."
In 1554 the form is thus printed by J. Wayland :
" I N. take the N. to my wedded wife to have and to holde, fro
"this day forwarde, for better, for wors, for richer, for poorer, in
" sikenesse and in hele, til dethe vs departe, if holy church it woll
" ordeine, and thereto I plight the my trouthe. — I N. take the N. to
" my wedded housbande, to have and to hold fro this day forwarde,
" for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sikenesse and in hele ;
" to be bonere and buxum in bedde, and at the borde, till dethe vs
" departe, if holy church it woll ordeine, and thereto I plight the my
" trouthe."
Seizing Wives by Force.
[1767, pp- 140, 141-]
The ancient custom of seizing wives by force, and carrying them off,
is still practised in Ireland. A remarkable instance of which happened
lately in the county of Kilkenny, where a farmer's son, being refused
a neighbour's daughter, of only twelve years of age, took an oppor-
tunity of running away with her ; but being pursued and overtaken by
the girl's parents she was brought back and married by her father to
58 Social Manners and Customs.
a lad of fourteen : but her former lover, determined to maintain his
priority, procured a party of armed men, and besieged the house of
his rival, and in the contest the father-in-law was shot dead, and
several of the besiegers were mortally wounded, and forced to retire
without their prize.
[1770, /. 137.]
The old Gothic custom of seizing wives by force is not wholly laid
aside in Ireland ; an instance of which has just now happened and
occasioned much bloodshed. The house of one Edmund Herbert of
Killaloe, reputed rich and having one only daughter, was this day
(Sunday, 4th March, 1770) beset by sixteen or seventeen ruffians, who
forcibly broke in and carried off the girl, after having wounded the
father and mother, who stood in defence of their child, in so dangerous
a manner that the first is since dead and the latter languishing in a
most deplorable condition.
Ancient Wedding Ceremonies.
[1854,^. 379.]
In turning over Polydore Virgil's work, entitled De Rerum Inven-
toribus, I find a passage illustrative of an interesting subject of
English folklore. It is an allusion to the marriage ceremonies
practised in England in the fifteenth century. I should mention that
it is found in the earlier part of the book, which was published in
1499, shortly after the author's first mission to England. Perhaps
some of your correspondents may be able to throw some additional
light upon the customs referred to. I will translate the passage
entire. It is found in the fourth chapr of the first book, the
chapter which treats of the origin of marriage, etc.
" Among the Romans, according to Festus, three boys, who had
each a father and mother living, accompanied the bride — one to carry
before the party a torch of white-thorn, for the marriage took place at
night, as we are told by Plutarch in his Problems, and the two others
to support the bride. The torch was borne in honour of Ceres, who
is held to be the mother of earth and creatrix of all its products, feeds
mortals, so the bride becoming a housewife might feed her children.
The custom is preserved to this day, especially in England, that two
youths accompany the lady as paranymphi to church, where the priest
blesses her and her husband, and two men bring them home, while a
third, instead of a torch, bears before them a vessel of silver or of
gold. The bride — at all events, in country places — is led home with
a wreath of corn (spicea corona) upon her head, or carrying the
wreath in her hand, or else, as she enters the house, wheat is thrown
upon her head, as though festivity were to follow from this ceremony.
But to return to Roman customs ... As soon as the bride was
brought into the house a peculiar drink was offered her to taste.
Ancient Wedding Ceremonies. 59
" Nee pigeat niveo tritum cum lacte papaver
Sumere et expressis mella liquata favis.
Quum primuin cupido Venus est deducta marito,
Hoc bibit ; ex illo tempore nupta fuit." — OVID [Fasti, iv. 151 ].
" Let poppy bruised and snow-white milk be dressed
With liquid honey from the cells expressed,
When Venus first was brought to Vulcan's side
Of this she drank and thus became a bride."
Instead of all these ingredients, honey only is at present tasted upon
these occasions at Rome. In the same manner, among the English,
the bride, after the priest has pronounced the blessing in the church,
begins to drink, the groom and other persons present doing after her
'he like."
I can throw no further light upon the ceremonies here mentioned
except by the suggestion that the Italian clergyman was very probably
mistaken in supposing there was any connection between the English
customs and those which he cites them to illustrate. The drinking
last mentioned was, we may conjecture, a loving-cup, which was
drunk to the health of the bride and bridegroom — a ceremony now
deferred till the conclusion of the wedding breakfast. The gold or
silver vessel, which was carried before the wedding-party, may have
been the tankard of Hippocrates, Tyre, or Malvesy, which was taken
to the church for this purpose. The paranymphi, in the shape of
bridesmen, still survive ; but the orange-flower wreath has been sub-
stituted for the wheaten-garland of our great-great-grandfathers.
The following passage, in Harrison's well-known " Description of
England," circa 1565, which is prefixed to Hollinshed's Chronicle,
may allude to the disuse of some of the customs referred to by
Polydore Virgil : " The superfluous numbers of idle wakes, guilds,
fraternities, church-ales, helpe-ales, and soule-ales, called also dirge-
ales, with the heathenish rioting at bride-ales, are well diminished and
laid aside."
Yours, etc. F. M. N.
Marriage Festival in Ireland.
[1751, //. 466,467.]
[From an Article on " Manners. Temperament, and Genius of the Irish Peasantry."]
When a matrimonial compact is agreed, a cow and two sheep are
generally the portion of the maid, and a little hut and potato-garden
all the riches of the man. Here the woman always retains her
maiden name, and never assumes the surname of her husband, as is
generally practised in other countries. I have been informed, that
this is owing to a custom they had among them, in ancient times, of
marrying for a year only, at the expiration of which term the couple
might lawfully part, and engage elsewhere, unless they should choose
to renew their agreement for another year. By this means, if there
60 Social Manners and Customs.
were any mutual liking at meeting, both parties were continually upon
their guard to oblige each other that an inclination of living together
might still be kept alive on both sides. The woman, therefore, who
might, if she choose it, have a new husband every year of her life,
always retained her own name, because, to assume a new one with
every husband, would create infinite confusion ; and this custom, as to
the name, is retained to this very day. At their wedding they make
a great feast, which is the only time of their lives perhaps that they
ever taste meat or any kind of strong liquors. Upon these occasions
one of the sheep at least is consumed, and the other is sold to
purchase a barrel of a kind of very bad ale, which, in their language,
they call sheebeen, and a corn spirit called usquebaugh, or whisky,
which very much resembles, in its taste and qualities, the worst
London gin. With this they for once carouse, and make merry with
their friends. They are, indeed, at all times great pretenders to
hospitality as far as their abilities will permit ; whence they have this
universal custom amongst them, that, in all kinds of weather when
they sit down to their miserable meal, they constantly throw their
doors open, as it were, to invite all strangers to partake of their repast ;
and, in the midst of their poverty, cheerful content so constantly
supplies the want of other enjoyments that I verily believe they are
the happiest people in the world In the very midst of very hard
labour, and what, to an Englishman, would seem pinching necessity,
they are ever cheerful and gay, continually telling stories, while at
their work, of the ancient giants of that country, or some such simple
tales, or singing songs in their own language ; and in the wildness of
their notes I have often found something irregularly charming. As
these are always of their own composition I concluded they must be
quite original in their thought and manner, as the authors are all
illiterate, and understand no other language whenca they might
borrow either ; and I imagined it would be no bad way to discover
the genius as well as abilities of the people, by observing what turn
they gave their poetical performances. I was in some measure able
to get over the difficulty of understanding their language by the
assistance of a young lady, who understood the Irish tongue perfectly
well ; and she has often sung and translated for me some of their
most popular ballads. The subject of these is always love; and
they seem to understand poetry to be designed for no other purpose
than to stir up that passion in the mind. As you are a man of
curiosity, I shall present you with one attempted in rhime as a
specimen of their manner, which take as follows :
A translation of an Irish song beginning, " Maville slane g'un oughth
chegh khune, etc."
" Blest were the days when in the lonely shade,
Join'd hand in hand my love and I have stiay'd,
Where apple blossoms scent the fragrant air
I've snatched soft kisses from the wanton fair.
Marriage Festival in Ireland. 61
" Then did the feather'd choir in songs rejoice,
How soft the cuckoo tun'd her soothing voice,
The gentle thrush with pride display' d his throat,
Vying in sweetness with the blackbird's note.
" But now, my love, how wretched am I made,
My health exhausted and my bloom decay'd !
Pensive I roam the solitary grove —
The grove delights not — for I miss my love.
" Once more sweet maid, together let us stray,
And in soft dalliance waste the fleeting day ;
Through hazel groves, where clust'ring nuts invite,
And blushing apples charm the tempted sight.
" In awful charms secure, my lovely maid
May trust with me her beauty in the shade.
Oh ! how with sick'ning fond desire I pine,
Tiil my heart's wish, till you, my love, are mine.
" Hence with these virgin fears, this cold delay,
Let love advise, take courage and away.
Your confident swain for ever shall be true,
O'er all the plain, shall ne'er love one, but you."
The Garter at Marriage Ceremonies.
[1748, /. 462.]
There is a custom in many parts of England, of taking off the
garter of the bride, immediately after the marriage ceremony is per-
formed. Perhaps, some austere maiden ladies may make reflections,
and call it an undecent action, and affirm that the fault is enhanced,
since it is often committed in a sacred place : For my part, I am so
far from thinking that there is any thing criminal in this custom, that
I shall always reverence it, and esteem it, as a lively antitype of the
dissolution of the virgin zone, that must shortly ensue.
S. T.
The Village Wedding.
[i793, //• 3°o, 301-]
The praise you have condescended to bestow upon my descriptive
talents, induces me to send you
THE VILLAGE WEDDING.
Passing along that delightful range of valleys between Bradford in
Yorkshire to Kendal, we saw a number of country people rush out
of a church founded upon a pleasant hill, and immediately the bells
chimed most merrily. We desired the coachman to stop in the
village underneath, till the group approached, following a new-
married couple : — the whole bedizened with ribbands, — the bride
most glaringly so, — large true-blue bows were across the full of her
breast, lessening till they reached the waist ; white, red, and every
other colour, were conspicuous about her gown and hat, except for-
62 Social Manners and Customs.
saken green, which I was glad to perceive was not worn by one of
the throng. It would have gladdened any heart to have seen them
striking down the hill — such kissing, and such romping, and such
laughing, I never heard or saw before. Rustic happiness was afloat ;
the girls faces were tinged beyond their native bloom, and the
maiden's blush enlivened the lilies around them. The men's legs
and arms were as busy as if they had hung on wires. In an instant
half a dozen youths pulled off their shoes and stockings, when I
noticed their legs had been previously girt with party-coloured
ribbons. On being started by the bride, they spanked off as hard
as they could, amidst the whoops of the young and old. This I
understand is a race of kisses : and he who first reaches the bride's
house is rewarded with a kiss and a ribbon. If they were to have
been rewarded by a bag of gold, they could not have looked more
eager ; they took different roads (without heeding the rough stones
they had to encounter) and which we were told were previously
agreed upon, in proportion to the known swiftness of the candidates.
We regretted that we could not stay to see the result of this Hymen-
aean race ; and left them in the midst of their mirth, after a donation
which would not take from it, but which was only received, on con-
dition of mutually drinking healths, and our accepting a ribbon
apiece. I got upon the top of the coach to look at them as long as
I could. Marrowbones and cleavers could not express half the
hilarity which we witnessed : and when the coach set off they gave
us breasts- full of huzzas. We answered them with such sincerity,
I shall have a twist in my hat as long as it lasts ; and for some time
after we left them, we heard bursts of noise.
A RAMBLER.
N.B. — I did not observe the bride was handsomer than any of
the others, except in her husband's eyes ; but, if I may judge from
what I saw, it is a healthful valley, that teems with lusty lads and
pretty lasses; and, if I could have stayed the day with them, I should
have found out all their sweethearts.
Cardigan Weddings.
[I79I.A 1103.]
The manner of their solemnizing their marriages among the me-
chanicks, farmers, and common people, in Cardiganshire, is peculiar,
I think, to this country, and its borders.
When the young couple have agreed to marry with the consent of
their parents or friends, they agree to meet, some responsible persons
assisting on each side, to settle the fortune, in writing, if there be
any fortune in money or lands. This they call Dyddio, i.e. appoint-
ing a day. Then the bans are asked, as in other countries : and the
Cardigan Weddings. 63
day of marriage is always, or most commonly, ordered on a Satur-
day ; and Friday is allotted to bring home the Ystasell, or chamber,
of the woman, if she is to reside at the man's house ; or of the man,
if he is to reside at the house where the woman lives.
This chamber of the woman contains generally a valuable oak
chest of wainscot work, and a featherbed and bed cloaths, if she is
so rich, with sometimes a good deal of houshold furniture, collected
by her mother for some years. This is set up by the friends of the
parties in ample order. The man's part is to provide a bedstead, a
table, a dresser, a pot, and chairs. That whole evening is employed
in receiving presents of money, cheese, and butter, at the man's
house from his friends, and at the woman's house from her friends.
This is called Pwrs a Gwregys, or purse and girdle, an antient
British custom. But I should have taken notice that, a week or a
fortnight before the wedding day, an inviter or bidder (Gwahoddwr),
goes about from house to house with a long stick with ribbons flying
at the end of it, and, stopping at the middle of the floor, repeats in
Welsh a long lesson, partly in verse, to invite the families that he
calls at to the wedding of such and such persons, naming them and
their places of abode, and mentioning the day of the wedding, and
the helps or benevolence expected from all that come there. This
lesson he repeats with great formality, enumerating the great prepa-
rations made to entertain the company, such as musick, good eating,
etc. (Here follows a form of invitation in verse; but as the two
following forms in prose give the idea of it, with less trouble of trans-
lation, it is omitted.)
Araith y Gwahoddwr, yn Llanbadarn Fawr, 1 762.
" Arwydd y Gwahoddwr yw hyn ; yn fwyn ac yn hawddgar, yn Ian ac yn
deuluaidd, dros Einion Owain a Llio Elis, 3*9 ewyllys da ar y ddefgyl ; dowg ag
Arian difai ; Swllt, neu ddau, neu dri, neu bedwar, neu bump ; 'r ym ni'n gwahodd
Caws ac Ymenyn, a'r Gwr a'r Wraig a'r Plant, a'r Gweision a'r Morwynion, a'r
mwyaf hyd y lleiaf; dow9 yno'n fore, cew$ fwyd yn rhodd, a diod yn rhad,
ystolion i eiste, a phyfgod, os gallwn eu dal, ac onide cymmerwch ni yn esgusol ;
ac nhwy ddon' hwyntau gyda jwithau pan alwoi; am danynt. — Yn codi allan o'r
fan a'r fan."
"The intention of the bidder is this: with kindness and amity, with decency
and liberality, for Einion Owen and Llio Elis, he invites you to come with your
good-will on the plate ; bring current money ; a shilling, or two, or three, or four,
or five; with cheese and butter we invite the husband and wife, and children,
and men-servants, and maid-servants, from the greatest to the least : come there
early, you shall have victuals freely, and drink cheap, stools to sit on, and fish if
we can catch them ; but if not, hold us excusable ; and they will attend with you
when you call upon them. — They set out from such and such a place."
[1792, p. 109-111.]
" Arfer y Gwahoddwr yw hyn ; yn fwyn ac yn dyuluaidd, in oi yr
hen ddefawd, yr wy'n gwahawdd pawb yn eic, llys, ac o baetu i'q llys ;
yn wr, yn waig, ac in blant ; yn weision, a morwynion, o'r mwyaf hyd
*
64 Social Manners and Customs.
y lleiaf, i Briodas Einion Owain a Llio Elis. Daed y gwragedd a'u
rhoddion o wllys eu calon ; oni bydd genyg un cofyn mawr, dygwg
ddau gofyn bygan, a phridden fawr a ymenyp — Duw gatwo mam yr
enwyn — Dowg yno'n fore, c ewe. fwyd yn rhodd, a diod yd rhad, a
digon o'r miwsig, o's ceir o'r Amwy thig ; yftolion, cadeiriau, a phob
cyfryw seigiau, a physgawd o's gallwn eu dal. — Don' nhwythau atog
cwithau ar y galwad cyntaf."
" The custom of the Bidder is this : with kindness and hospitality,
agreeable to the old usage, I invite all that are within your mansion,
and round your mansion : as well husband and wife, and children ;
as well men-servants and maid servants, from the greatest to the
least, to the marriage of Einion Owen and Llio Elis. Let the wives
bring their presents with good-will ; if you should not have a large
cheese, bring two small ones, with a large pot of butter — God pre-
serve the mother of the milk — Come there early, you shall have
victuals freely, and drink cheap, and plenty of musick, if it can be
had from Shrewsbury ; stools, chairs, and all such indulgences, and
fish if we can catch them. — They will also come to you on the first
call."
This Gwafwddwr, or Bidder, has eight or ten shillings for his
trouble, or according to the trouble he has, and extent of ground he
goes. If the parties are some of the richer sort, as sons and daughters
of considerable freeholders, they send by this Gwahoddwr circular
letters of invitation in English. The following is a true copy of one
of them, written probably by the parson of the parish :
" Sir, my daughter's wedding-day is appointed to be on Saturday,
the i4th day of August next, at Eglwys Newydd ; at which time and
place I humbly beg the favour of your good company; and what
farther benevolence you'll be pleased to confer upon her shall be
gratafally retaliated by me, who am, Sir, etc."
The presents carried by the good women to the Pwrs and Gwregys
are cheese and butter, besides sometimes a shilling, or two, or three,
in money, and even to a guinea ; two or three, if people of credit ;
the quantity being carefully set down on paper by a person employed
for that purpose (the clerk of the wedding). And these presents are
to be repaid, when demanded, in the same public manner ; and, upon
refusal, recoverable by law, which is frequently done.
Some persons, who have no thoughts of marrying, have made
counterfeit or feigned nuptials, to call in all the money and goods
they have laid out in this manner, and which have been always paid
them ; or they have made a present to some poor friend's wedding
of this Pwrs a Gwregys, money, cheese, butter, etc.
Saturday, as was said before, being the wedding-day, the friends of
the man come all on horseback, to the number sometimes of eighty
or an hundred, to his house j and have bread and cheese, and a mug
of ale each at his cost : and there they make their presents, or pay
Cardigan Weddings. 65
Pwython. And out of them they pick about eight or ten, or some-
times twenty, of the best mounted, to go to the intended bride's
house, to demand her in marriage. The woman is there, with her
friends attending on her, expecting the summons, and ready to be
mounted as well as they can. Sometimes there are eighty, or an
hundred, or two hundred of them too, having paid their presents, or
Pivython, there ; but take notice, the woman is not to be got pos-
session of without much trouble and argument, in Welsh poetry,
sometimes for hours together.
I have seen papers containing some scores of what they call verses
pro and con on this occasion ; and they have men, whom they call
poets, who make these verses extempore. The Lord have mercy on
such poets !
In these they demand the girl as a promised wife, and abuse one
another to all intents and purposes, one party within the house, and
the other out of doors, to the great diversion of the company, each
side extolling the wit of their poets.
Some of the verses follow here that are spoken at the door of the
intended bride by the several persons chosen to demand the woman
of her father, all on horseback, with their hats off when they deliver
their orations ; and their answers are by the persons appointed for
that purpose. At last the father appears, and welcomes his new
guests, when they have admittance after a long dispute ; they alight
and walk in, and are desired to sit down to a cold collation, and they
proceed to church as beforementioned.
This poetical dispute sometimes produces a quarrel, which is de-
termined in their way to church by boxing or cudgeling. In the
mean time, while this dispute holds, the girl makes great moans and
lamentations ; and, if she can counterfeit tears and tearing of hair,
it is reckoned a merit. At last, the man's poets having carried the
day, the girl yields, complaining of her hard fate ; and up she is
mounted behind her father, or brother, or some friend, on the ablest,
swiftest horse that they can procure. Here again the poor intended
bridegroom runs a seeming hazard of losing his intended bride. Her
friends pretend, as soon as she is mounted, to run away with her
from the company, and ride at all adventures like mad folks, they
do not care whither ; and it is very common to have legs and arms
broken on this occasion. At last, either the double horse is tired,
or the bride thinks the time long a-coming, she consents to go with
them quietly, except a few starts of endeavouring to turn out of the
road now and then, when a fair opportunity offers, until they get to
church. The ceremony in church being over, all the company join,
and return to the married couple's house, generally the man's house,
and eat of some cold collation at free-cost, but pay for their drink ;
where some of the company like it so well that they stay till next
day, or while a drop of drink lasts. On this occasion three or four
5
66 Social Manners and Customs.
London quarters of malt are brewed, or according as the company is.
Sunday being come, the bride and bridegroom's business is, to sit
down all day and receive goodwill and Puython. This day is called
Neithior. The Pwython are the presents they have made at others'
weddings repaid. They receive more money this day than Saturday ;
and all are written down as before, whether fresh presents, or those
repaid ; and by Monday morning the drink is generally exhausted ;
and then, or soon after, the cheese is sold, which brings in a round
sum of money. Sometimes 3O/. or 4o/. is collected this way in
money, cheese, and butter, to the great benefit of a young couple,
who had not otherwise scarce a penny to begin the world with. The
following Sunday several, or most of the company, attend the young
couple to church, by way of compliment; where each spends six
pence or a shilling at some friend's house ; and then it is reckoned
that they are married to all intents and purposes, and not to be
divided but by death.
[1792, /. 325.]
Of the Priodasfach, or Little Wedding.
Some couples, especially among the miners, either having no
friends, or seeing this kind of public marriage too troublesome and im-
practicable, procure a man to wed them privately, which will cost not
above two or three mugs of ale. Sometimes half a dozen couples
will agree to a merry meeting, and are thus wedded and bedded to-
gether. This is frequently made use of among the miners, and
others, to make sure of a woman ; and in one mine-work three or
four such tackers are frequently met with (or as many of them as
can read), and the late act of parliament is looked upon only as a
cruel and wicked restraint upon the liberties of the mine country.
The minister of a parish, where I resided, complained heavily in
a company where I was present, that in one little village there were
above fifty families, that were only married by the little wedding, and
never took to the great wedding in his church, whereby he entirely
lost his fees ; though some came and underwent the great wedding,
by way of confirmation, as before described.
The little wedding does not bind them so effectually, but that after
a month's trial they may part by consent. When the miner leaves
his mistress, and removes to a minework in some distant country,
the girl is not worse looked upon among the miners, than if she had
been an unspotted virgin. So prevalent and arbitrary is custom.
Yours, etc. LEWIS MORRIS.
*** Mr. Morris styles this account Cardigan Weddings ; but the
custom is, or was till lately, general through Dimetia, and old people
remember it in parts of North Wales ; therefore we may suppose it
prevailed formerly over all Wales.
Bidding- Wedding. 67
Bidding- Wedding.
[1784, Part. //., /. 484.]
Your correspondent D. A. B., in the Magazine for May, p. 343,
speaking of Biddings at marriages in S. Wales, brings to my mind the
account I have often heard given by some of my own relations of
what they called Penny Weddings in Scotland, which seem to have
been a custom something similar. When there was a marriage of two
poor people who were esteemed by any of the neighbouring gentry,
they agreed among themselves to meet and have a dance upon the
occasion, the result of which was a handsome donation, in order to
assist the new married couple in their outset in life.
[1789, Parti., p. 99.]
Inclosed is a genuine invitation to what is called in Wales a
Bidding. It exhibits a custom, which though extremely common
throughout that principality, will, I dare say, appear odd enough to
many of your readers, and perhaps to you, as old as you are. My old
friend [Isaac] Tarrat, however, began his literary career before you.
P. Q.
" As we intend entering the nuptial state we propose having a Bidding on the
occasion, on Thursday the 2Oth day of September, instant, at our own house on
the Parade, where the favour of your good company will be highly esteemed ;
and whatever benevolence you please to confer on me shall be gratefully acknow-
ledged, and retaliated on a similar occasion by
" Your most obedient, humble servants,
" WILLIAM JONES
Carmarthen, Sep. 4, 1787. "ANN DAVIES.
" N.B. The young man's father (Stephen Jones) and the young woman's aunt
(Ann Williams) will be thankful for all favours conferred on them that day.
" Them that are pleased to favour Stephen Jones with their company that
morning are desired to meet at Anthony Mechal's, near the Bridge."
[1789, Part I., p. 4Z3-]
As a companion to the form of invitation to a Welch bidding, p.
99, I have herewith sent you the form of invitation to a Cumberland
bridewain, advertised in the Cumberland Packet of April i. It is
usual on these occasions to make the new married couple (generally
about a fortnight after the ceremony) a present of money, or some
houshold utensil or piece of furniture, or sometimes, even to this
day, a small portion of some kind of grain. This formerly, when the
circulation of coin was not so common in that country, was the most
usual offering.
J. H.
" BRIDEWAIN.
"There let Hymen oft appear,
In saffron robe and taper clear,
And pomp, and feast, and revelry.
With mask and antick pageantry :
5—2
68 Social Manners and Customs.
Such sights as youthful poets dream
On summer's eves by haunted stream,
"George Hayton, who married Ann, the daughter of Joseph and Dinah Collin
of Crosby Mill, purposes having a bridewain at his house at Crosby, near Maryport,
on Thursday the 7th day of May next (1789), where he will be happy to see his
friends and well-wishers ; for whose amusement there will be a variety of races,
wrestling matches, etc., etc., etc. The prizes will be a saddle, two bridles, a
pair of gand-d'amour gloves, which whoever wins is sure to be married within the
twelvemonth, a belt (ceinture de Venus) possessing qualities not to be described,
• and many other articles. Sports and pastimes too numerous to mention, but
which can never prove tedious in the exhibition.
" From Fashion's laws and customs free.
We follow sweet variety ;
By turns we laugh, and dance, and sing,
Time for ever on the wing :
And nymphs and swains, on Cumbria's plains,
Present the Golden Age again."
Proxy- Wedded.
[1848, /. 379.]
A line in Tennyson's " Princess," p. 13 —
" She to me
Was proxy-wedded with a bootless calf," etc.,
has been found (as I know from actual experience of the fact and not
from conjecture) obscure by some who may not lately have read of
the custom alluded to. Perhaps a brief extract from Hall's "Chronicle "
may instruct one or two, and can scarcely offend any of your readers.
" Maximilian Rynge of Romaynes, being without a wife, before this
tyme, made suit to Fraunces, Duke of Briteyne, to have in marriage
the Lady Anne hys daughter, to the which request the duke gentely
condiscended. And one which by proxie woed for him, too the
entent that the lady should performe that she promised on her faith
and honour, he used a new invencion and tricke, after this manner :
when the lady did take her chamber, the night after her affiaunce, she
was layed naked in the bride bed, in the presence of diverse noble
matrones and prynces called thither as witnesses. The procuratour
or deputie for the husbande whiche represented his person was layde
in the place of her husbande, and put one of his legges into the bed
up to the hard knee, in the sight and compaigny of many noble per-
sonages, as who said that the virgin had been carnally knowen, and
so the matrimony perfighte and consummate, and they two as man
and wyfe. But this fonde new founde ceremony was little regarded
and lesse estemed of hym that only studyed and watched how to
surrept and steale this turtle out of her mewe and lodgynge."— Hall,
Hen. VII., sixth yere, at the begining,
Yours, etc. J. E. B. MAYOR.
Cornutes. 69
Cornutes.
['754. PP- 16, 17.]
I am a married man ; and, as such, have long felt a very great un-
easiness in my head, occasioned by the growth of horns. Not that I
imagine my good spouse the least deficient in virtue ; but 'tis this odd,
unnatural joke about horns, and cuckoldom, that disturbs me. What
analogy is there between a pair of horns and an unhappy man whose
wife is less chaste than she ought to be ? But undoubtedly there is
infinite wit in the notion : all the misfortune is I do not take it ; I am
dull of apprehension. But, since half of our comedies (besides num-
berless other works) owe their whole applause to this single piece of
exquisite humour ; and it seems to be admitted as true satyr and
pleasantry in several languages besides our own, I rest convinced
from such strong authority that the jest, though ever so frequently
applied, is inimitably smart But for the information of a dull, well-
meaning fellow, be so kind as to give me in your next (or perhaps
some correspondent will assist you) some satisfactory account of this
affair. I would willingly know in what century the jest began. For,
if I mistake not, Chaucer owes a great deal to it But I own myself
quite in the dark,. and hope, if I am eves dignified with this embellish-
ment, to learn, from your Magazine, the antiquity, cause, and intent,
of this strange phenomenon. And while I am mentioning horns ; I
have been much offended at an amazing quantity of them always to
be seen at Highgate. Some fixt on long poles ; some on handsome
walking staves ; and some in the inn rooms, neatly gilt and decorated.
As this other matter relating to horns set so heavy on my mind, I have
always been cautious of expressing my wonder at these pieces of fur-
niture, on the spot, for fear I should hear some grating reflection on
the state I am really not unhappy in. I doubt not but this custom
bears some relation to the other, and hope some Highgate friend or
other will inform us on this head. And since I am thus labouring to
settle the propriety, of our use of this natural weapon of our cattle, let
me ask why, in all accounts of the distemper among our kine, has it
been always termed the distemper among the liorntd cattle ? Have
we not sheep and goats ? But enough. If I prate any more on this
long subject, you will think me a still greater fool, and deny me to.
know my own name, which is
CORNELIUS TACITUS..
Funeral Customs.
[1798, /• 573-1
As a minister in a country parish, I have frequently occasion, to
observe at funerals several customs which appear of a superstitious
nature, though probably there might once be a sufficient reason for
them. At funerals, on which occasions a large party is generally
70 SocMl Manners and Customs.
invited, the attendant who serves the company with ale or wine has
upon the handle of the tankard a piece of lemon-peel, and also upon
her left arm a clean white napkin. I believe these customs are inva-
riably observed. From what cause they originated, some ingenious
correspondent may be able to inform me.
CLERICUS.
, [1802, Part I., p. 105.]
It hath been long a custom in Yorkshire to give a sort of light
sweetened cakes to those who attend funerals. This cake the guests
put in their pocket or in their handkerchief, to carry home and share
among the family. Besides this, they had given at the house of the
deceased hot ale sweetened, and spices in it, and the same sort of
cake in pieces. But if at the funeral of the richer sort, instead of hot
ale they had burnt wine and Savoy biscuits, and a paper with two
Naples biscuits sealed up to carry home for their families. The paper
in which these biscuits were sealed was printed on one side with a
coffin, cross-bones, skulls, hacks, spades, hour-glass, etc. ; but this
custom is now, I think, left off, and they wrap them only in a sheet
«f clean writing-paper sealed with black wax. It is customary also to
set a plate or dish in the room where the company are with sprigs of
rosemary ; and every one takes a sprig, which they carry in their hand
to the grave, and, as soon as the ceremony is ended, every one throws
their rosemary into the grave.
T. B.
Burial Garlands.
[1747, //• 264, 265.]
Being a constant reader of your instructive, as well as diverting
Magazine, I take the liberty to present you with some remarks on a
passage in that of December last, p. 646, which gives an account of
an Hour-glass, found in a grave in Clerkenwell Churchyard ; and that
some antiquaries supposed, that it was an ancient custom to put an
hour-glass into the coffin, as an emblem of the sand of life being run
out ; others conjectured that little hour-glasses were anciently given
at funerals, like rosemary, and by the friends of the dead put in the
coffin or the grave.
But I fear neither of these customs can be proVd by the works of
any authentic author ; besides, had such been the use or custom,
certainly these glasses, or at least fragments of them, would be more
frequently discovered. Give me leave, sir, therefore, to offer what I
flatter myself will seem a more probable reason for the hour-glass's
interment
In this nation (as well as others) by the abundant zeal of our ances-
tors, virginity was held in great estimation ; insomuch that those
which died in that state were rewarded, at their deaths, with a garland
or crown on their heads, denoting their triumphant victory over the
Burial Garlands. 71
lusts of the flesh. Nay, this honour was extended even to a widow
that had enjoy'd but one husband (saith Weaver in his Fun. Man.
p. 12). And, in the year 1733, the present clerk of the parish church
of Bramley in Kent, by his digging a grave in that church-yard, close
to the east end of the chancel wall, dug up one of these crowns, or
garlands, which is most artificially wrought in filagree work with gold
and silver wire, in resemblance of myrtle (with which plant the fune-
brial garlands of the ancients were compos'd*) whose leaves are
fasten'd to hoops of larger wire of iron, now something corroded with
rust, but both the gold and silver remains to this time very little diffe-
rent from its original splendor. It was also lin'd with cloth of silver,
a piece of which, together with part of this curious garland, I keep as
a choice relick of antiquity.
Besides these crowns, the ancients had also their depository gar-
lands, the use of which were continued even till of late years (and
perhaps are still retain'd in many parts of this nation, for my own
knowledge of these matters extends not above 20 or 30 miles round
London) which garlands, at the funerals of the deceas'd, were carried
solemnly before the corps by two maids, and afterward hung up in
some conspicuous place within the church, in memorial of the de-
parted person, and were (at least all that I have seen) made after the
following manner, viz. The lower rim, or circlet, was a broad hoop of
wood, whereunto were fix'd, at the sides thereof, part of two other
hoops crossing each other at the top, at right angles, which form'd the
upper part, being about one third longer than the width ; these hoops
were wholly covered with artificial flowers of paper, dy'd horn, or silk,
and more or less beauteous, according to the skill or ingenuity of the
performer. In the vacancy of the inside, from the top, hung white
paper, cut in form of gloves, whereon was wrote the deceased's name,
age, etc., together with long slips of various-colour'd paper, or ribbons.
These were many times intermix'd with gilded or painted empty shells
of blown eggs, as further ornaments ; or, it may be, as emblems of
the bubbles or bitterness of this life ; whilst other garlands had only
a solitary hour-glass hanging therein, as a more significant symbol of
mortality.
About 40 years ago these garlands grew much out of repute, and
were thought, by many, as very unbecoming decorations for so sacred
a place as the church ; and at the reparation, or new beautifying
several churches, where I have been concern'd, I was oblig'd, by order
of the minister and church-wardens, to take the garlands down, and
the inhabitants strictly forbid to hang up any more for the future.
Yet notwithstanding, several people, unwilling to forsake their ancient
and delightful custom, continued still the making of them, and they
were carried at the funerals, as before, to the grave, and put therein,
upon the coffin, over the face of the dead ; this I have seen done in
* Sir Tho. Brown's Misc. Tracts, r>. 29.
72 Social Manners and Customs.
many places. Now I doubt not but such a garland, with an hour-
glass, was thus placed in the grave at Clerkenwell, which, at the
rotting and falling in of the lid of the coffin, must consequently be
found close to the skull, as that was said to be, and the wooden frame
of the glass being but of slender substance, must needs have long since
decay'd,* had it not been in great measure secured from moisture
within the hollow part of the garland, tho' the thread that held it
might in a short time let it slip down to the coffin's lid.
Thus, Sir, I have given you my thoughts of your Clerkenwell hour-
glass, altho' there may be several things found in graves not so easily
accounted for : As in digging a grave, Anno 1720, for one Mr. Will.
Clements, in Nockholt churchyard, in this county, were found deep in
the earth several rolls of brimstone ; and last year was dug out of a
grave at Wilmington near Dartford, a quantity of Henry the II Id's
coins, the particular account of which, I intend shall be the subject of
another letter, if it will be any ways entertaining or acceptable to your
readers, the which will be a great pleasure to,
Sir, your most obedient, . E. S.
Bromley in Kent
[1803, Part /., p. 403.]
In the nave of the church are some reliques of an old but rare
custom in this country, which I must not omit ; namely, funebrial
garlands, or crowns, which are carried before the corpse of a virgin,
and placed on the coffin during the holy service of the church. They
are afterwards hung on a beam or otherwise, as trophies of victory
over the lusts of the flesh. The Antiquarian Repertory has a learned
paper on their antiquity ; though, from the inattention of the index-
maker or publisher, it is hard to find that it is in vol. iv. p. 239. This
custom is mentioned by Captain Budworth, in his lively Tour to the
Lakes [1795], p. too ; where they to this day plant them in churches.
He says, justly, " it is an old Roman Catholic custom, free from its
superstition."
A TRAVELLER.
Casting of Stones on Grave Mounds.
['773, PP- 179. 180.]
The following letter having accidentally fallen into my hands, as I
imagine the subject of it may afford some entertainment to some of
your readers, I have sent you a copy of it to insert in your valuable
repository.
I am, sir,
Your humble servant,
E. B.
* See the Fig. Plate viii., Cent. Mag., vol. xvi., p. 640.
Casting of Stones on Grave Mounds. 73
Copy of a Letter from the Rev. Mr. Watkins to Dr. Lyttelton, late Bishop of
Carlisle, concerning the word Scopelismos.
My Lord,
Mr. Sandby transmitted your lordship's commands, relating to Scopelismos,
to me some time ago. I had mislaid the remarks I had made upon the word, and
could not get at Ulpian in this country. Valuable books are scarce here, my
lord. There is no borrowing, and the clergy are too poor to buy.
I humbly beg leave to refer your lordship to Malthccus de Criminitus, 188,
where you will 6nd the reference to Ulpian, and a dissertation on the crime.
I think I sent your lordship the following account of Scopelismos — an
audacious crime practised by some villains among the Arabians. It consisted in
placing a certain number of stones upon the farm or field of persons those miscreants
have a pique at ; which stones served as a denunciation of utter destruction to
those who for the future should attempt to till the ground on which they were
laid ; and such terror attended this malevolent and clandestine threatening, that
none ever ventured to till such fields.
We have here a custom to this day for every passenger to throw a stone over
the grave of such wretches as are buried in the cross roads, with the following
curse, ' Yn Gam y bo ti !' i.e., ' May such villains be buried under a heap of
stones !' Corn, in the British, signifying an heap of stones. These heaps are
very common, and are looked upon as the highest marks of infamy. The custom
is very antient. We read in 2 Sam. xviii. 17, 'And they took Absalom and cast
him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him.'
Dr. Patrick's comment on this verse quotes Adrichomius's Description of the
Holy Land, where he says that travellers, as they went by this heap of stones,
were wont to throw a stone to add to the heap, in detestation of their rebellion.
One of the most horrid curses among the Welsh this day is Yn Garn y bo ti.
I am, My Lord,
Your Lordship's most dutiful and obedient Servant
W. WATKINS.
Gethly, May 14, 1763.
Women " Taking their Rights " before Childbirth.
[1844, Part //., //. 22-24.]
In your valuable repository, Sept., 1839, p. 236, a letter is published
from John Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk, which announces that on
" Monday next cominge " his wife will " take her chamber." This letter
appears to have been written Nov. 19, 1472 ; in another place, "the
takyng of hyr chambre " is alluded to ; and in a third letter, dated
Nov. 24, it is stated that the " lady tooke not hyr chambre till
yesterday."
To the letters containing the above cited allusions, the following
note is appended : —
" There appear to have been some ceremonies anciently used when the lady took
her chamber. It is stated that when the Queen of Henry VII. took her chamber,
' the Erles of Shrewsbury and of Kente hyld the towelles whan the Queen lake her
righles ; and the torches were holden by knightes. Whan she was comen into Mr
great chambre, she stode under her cloth of estate ; then there was ordeyned a
voide of espices and swet wyne ; that doone, my Lorde, the Queue's Chamberlain,
in very goode wordes, desired in the Quene's name the pcpul there present to pray
God to send hir the goode houre : and so she departed to hir inner chambre."
— From a MS. in the Cotton. Library.
What the rights were, which the Queen took, I have been unable to
74 Social Manners and Customs.
discover ; nor can I explain the ceremony of a lady taking her chamber.
Hermione, when before her judges, complains that she was deprived
of her privilege —
" With immodest hatred
The child-bed privilege denied, which 'longs
To women of all fashion : — lastly, hurried
Here to this place, i" the open air, before
I have got strength of limit."*
Winter's Tale, Act iii. sc. 2.
Were the rights of the same kind as the privilege here claimed ?
Shakespeare's commentators are silent upon this subject.
The celebrated French midwife, Louise Bourgeois dite Boursier,
who has given a very minute account of the several lyings-in of Marie
de Medicis, Queen of Henry IV. of France, describes several of the
preparations made for her first confinement A tent or pavilion was
erected in the great chamber at Fontainebleau. It was made of very
fine holland, at least twenty ells round ; within this larger pavilion was
a smaller one made of the same material ; the Queen's bed was placed
in this inner pavilion, and into it none were admitted but the King,
who scarcely left the Queen during her illness of twenty-two hours'
duration, and those whose immediate attendance upon the Queen
was necessary : the larger pavilion was appropriated to those ladies
and officers whose presence at a royal birth was officially required.
There were in attendance, in case their assistance should be re-
quired, four of the most celebrated physicians and a surgeon, Guille-
meau, to whom Louise Bourgeois made occasional reports of the
progress of the labour; but no one, except the midwife, took any
active share in the labour itself.
The relics of Saint Margaret (les reliques de Madame Saincte
Marguerite) were placed upon a table in the chamber, and two priests
(Religieux de Sainct Germain des Prez) offered up prayers to God
without ceasing ; but no ceremony or formal taking of the chamber is
mentioned, no rights or privileges are alluded to ; nor have I been
able to find any information upon this subject, though I have sought
for it among the early writers on midwifery, both female and male,
both English and foreign.
In an edition of Jacobus Rueffus de Conceptu, printed at Frankfort
on the Maine, 1587, 410., there are some wood-cuts representing
several matters illustrative of the practice of midwifery three hundred
years ago. One of these represents a lady, evidently far advanced in
her pregnancy, who has called upon her midwife to bespeak her
attendance. The lady is very elegantly attired, having a short cloak
or mantle over her dress, her head is adorned with a lace cap, on
which she wears a small hat ; she is in a standing posture, but behind
* Johnson suggests "strength of limb," and he is supported by one of the folios,
which reads "strength of limbs ;" but limit is the approved reading.
Women " Taking their Rights " before Childbirth. 75
her there is a well-cushioned chair, on which she may, if she pleases,
repose ; she has been accompanied by a favourite shock dog, which is
standing by her side.
The midwife is clad in a more homely style than the lady, but
everything about her is neat and handsome, shewing that she ranked
high among this useful branch of practitioners ; on a table covered
with a cloth is a chicken dressed, and a tankard with a glass goblet is
standing near ; whether because she was about to take her dinner, or
that refreshment should be ready in case any person should call, must
remain uncertain. The midwife appears as if discussing the question
as to the time when the labour may be expected, and the lady is
listening with great attention.
Another picture represents the lady placed upon the chair, which
was then commonly used for the parturient woman ; the midwife is in
attendance, and all that is considered necessary for her in the exercise
of her art is placed within reach in proper order. On each side of
the lady is a female ; one is a domestic with the expression of much
feeling in her countenance, soothing and comforting her mistress, the
other is an old nurse, who may be supposed to say, " Aye ! you must
bear it, you know." Refreshments are placed upon the table, and on
the floor is a large jug of hot water, and likewise a wooden pail. In
the background is seen a four-post bedstead prepared with two or
three pillows for the lady to be removed to after the labour is over,
and in an adjoining closet are two physicians or astrologers carefully
noticing the moon and stars, and making calculations on the horo-
scope to cast the nativity of the infant at its first entrance into the
world.
A third picture shews that the labour has happily terminated ; the
lady has been conveyed to her bed, and two attendants, one on each
side, are offering her cordials and refreshments, but she seems disin-
clined to take anything, and wishes for repose. In front the nurse is
represented bathing and washing the new-born babe in a large bason;
a small pan with a sppnge in it is ready at her side ; an under nurse
is holding a large cloth or flannel to receive the child as soon as the
washing is finished ; a handsome cradle is at hand which an older
child, carrying a doll in her arms, is amusing herself with rocking. At
a side table are seen the two astrologers and the midwife, enjoying
the various good things that have been prepared for them ; the mid-
wife has a good sized drinking cup at her mouth, evidently intent on
draining it to the bottom. A door opens into a kitchen at some dis-
tance, where a female servant is preparing some necessaries over a
large fire.
Nothing in these prints indicates the darkness or closeness of the
lying-in chamber which prevailed formerly to so great and injurious
an extent in England ; but probably, though the prints exhibit light
and ventilation, the rooms in. Germany were kept quite as close and
76 Social Manners and Customs,
dark as in England, for the adage " Frigus omnibus parturientibus et
puerperis pestis est, id quod etiam de potu frigido intelligendum,"
comes from a German author. So great a dread of cold existed even
within the last twenty years that very careful nurses were accustomed,
during the entire month of childbed, to wrap the handles of spoons,
knives and forks, etc., with silver paper, that they might not feel cold
to the touch ; even the elegant little silver hand-bell which rested on
the bed for the convenience of the invalid was enshrined in silver paper.
Yours, etc., S. M.
[1844, Part If., p. 247.]
Sir Harris Nicolas has, through the kindness of a mutual friend,
very politely referred me to "The Index and Additional Index of the
Privy Purse Book of Henry VIII." with the intention of explaining
the expression commented upon in your Number for July last, p. 23,
" the Queen toke her Rightes."
I have in consequence consulted Sir H. Nicolas's Remarks, and
admit that the explanation he has given is sufficiently conclusive, that
the Rights, in the instances there referred to, meant taking the Com-
munion.
This, however, does not quite explain the passage in the quotation
from the MS. in the Cotton. Library, of the Earls of Shrewsbury and
Kent holding the towels when the queen received the Communion,
nor why, " the torches were holden by knights." Something more
than the ordinary ceremony of receiving the Holy Communion seems
necessary to be accomplished, before the lady could take her chamber.
If there be now exhibited less of ceremony and show on these
occasions than was displayed by our ancestors, let it not be supposed
that the important duty of receiving the Sacrament is in our own days
altogether neglected ; — the interesting state alluded to very generally
induces our women to seek for the comfort which is afforded them
by partaking, with piety and devotion, of the Holy Communion.
Yours, etc. S. M.
Birth of a Grand-child.
[1780, /. 77.]
I do not undertake to vouch for the absurd custom of a grand-
father holding his granddaughter on his knee while she is delivered
of a child, not having penetrated so deeply into vulgar antiquities ;
and as I never was out of my own country, still less will I take upon
me to vouch for what is done beyond sea.
Penance for Bastard Children.
[1731, /, 434-1
Had almost forgot to mention that an old Fellow of Seventy, and
a Woman of Forty-Six, stood together upon Stools last Sunday, array 'd
Lord of Misrule. 77
in white Sheets, for having a Bastard Child ; and is informed they
have done the same once a Year, for three successively.
Lord of Misrule.
['779, PP- 340-342-1
An account of the lord of misrule is here extracted from page 1670
of "The Anatomy of Abuses, containing a description of such
notable vices and enormities as raigne in many countries of the world,
but especiallie in England, 1595" [see Note 12], 410., by Philip
Stubs, gent, who had himself been eye-witness to the extravagances of
this troop ; and, with the rigid devotion of the age, condemned those
mummeries and sports which the laxer discipline of succeeding reigns
too fatally endeavoured to authorize by law.
" First, all the wild heads in the parish convening together chuse
them a ground capitaine (of mischief), whom they innoble with the
title of Lord of Misserule, and hym they crowne with great solemnitie,
and adopt for theyr Kyng. The Kyng anointed, chuseth forthe
20, 40, 60, or 100 lustie-guttes like himself, to wait upon his lordelie
majestic and guard his noble person. Then every one of these
his menne he invested with his liveries of greene, yellow, or some
other light wanton colour ; and as though they were not (bawdie)
gawdy enough, I should saie, they bedecke themselves with scarffes,
ribbons, and laces, hanged all over with golde ringes, precious stones,
and other jewelles. This done they tie about either leg 20 or 40
belles, with rich handkerchiefs in their hands, and somtymes laid
across over their shoulders and necks, borrowed for the most part of
their prettie Mopsies and loving Bessies for bussyng them in the
darke. Thus, all things set in order, they have their Robbie horses,
dragons, and other antiques, and thundering drummers to strike up
the devil's dance withal ; then march this heathen company towards
the church and churchyard, their pipers pipyng, their drummers
thundering, their stumps dauncing, their belles jingling, their hand-
kerchiefs fluttering about their heads, their hobbie horses and other
monsters skarmishing among the throng like madmen ; and in this
sort they go to the church (tho' the minister be at prayer or preach-
ing), dauncing and swinging their handkerchiefs over their heades in
the church like devils incarnate, with such a confused noise that no
man can heare his own voice. Then the foolish people they looke,
they stare, they laugh, they fleere, and mount upon forms and pewes,
to see these goodly pageants solemnized in this sort Then after this
about the church they go again and again, and so forth into the
churchyard, where they have commonly their sommer-haules, their
bowers, arbours, and banquetting houses set up, wherein they feast,
banquet, and daunce all that day, and (peradventure) all that night
too. And thus these terrcstriall furies spend the Sabbath-day.
" Then for the further innobling of this honourable Lurdane (Lord,
78 Social Manners and Customs.
I should say) they have also certaine papers, wherein is painted some
babblerie or other of imagerie worke, and these they call my Lord of
Misrule's cognizances. These they give to every one that will give
them money for them, to maintain them in this their heathenrie,
devilrie, whoredom, drunkennesse, pride, and what not els. And
who will not shew himself buxome to them, and give money for these,
the devil's cognizances, they shall be mocked and flouted shame-
fullie ; yea, and many times carried upon a cowlstaffe, and dived
over head and ears in water, or otherwise most horribly abused.
And so assotted are some that they not only give them money to
maintain their abomination withall, but also wear their badges and
cognizances in their hats or cappes openly. Another sort of fantasticall
fooles bring to these helhoundes (the Lord of Misrule and his
complices) some bread, some good ale, some new cheese, some old
cheese, some custards, some cracknals, some cakes, some flaunes,*
some tartes, some creame, some meat, some one thing, some another."
Master of the Revels.
[1818, Part I., p. 400.]
The Correspondent who inquires about the Master of the Revels,
(p. 2), nearly the same, I believe, as the Christmas Lord of Misrule,
may consult the following books : Warton's History of Poetry, ii. 405,
iii. 307, n. Strype's Mem. iii. 322, 385, 388. Archaeol. xv. 225.
Athen. Oxon. i. 199. Bliss's new Ed. i. 665. Fuller's Hist. Camb. 159.
Wilson's Hist, of Merchant-Taylors, 620, n. Brit Crit. vol. ix. 522,
xxxiL 5, and Brand's Popular Antiquities [Ellis's Edit. i. 497-505].
In Wood's Annals, ii. 136, it is said that Jasper Heywood was about
this time (1557) "King or Christmas Lord of Merton College, being
it seems the last that bore that commendable office ; that the custom,
for aught he knew, had been as antient as the College itself; and that
the election was (in the manner which he describes) on the igth of
November, being the Vigil of St. Edmund, King and Martyr, and that
his power to punish misdemeanours continued until Candlemas."
R. C.
Holly Boy and Ivy Girl.
[I779,/- 137-1
Being on a visit on Tuesday last in a little obscure village in this
county [East Kent], I found an odd kind of sport going forward ; the
girls, from eighteen to five or six years old, were assembled in a
crowd, and burning an uncouth effigy which they called an Holly Boy,
and which, it seems, they had stolen from the boys, who, in another part
of the village, were assembled together, and burning what they called
an Ivy Girl, which they had stolen from the girls ; all this ceremony
was accompanied with loud huzzas, noise, and acclamations. What
* Cheesecake, Ifr. Flan.
The Morris Dance in Wales. 79
it all means I cannot tell, although I enquired of several of the oldest
people in the place, who could only answer that it had always been a
sport at this season of the year. If you, or any of your correspondents,
can explain the full and true meaning of this uncommon kind of
festivity, and whence it originated, by publishing it in your much-read
magazine, you will greatly oblige
KITTY CURIOUS.
P.S. — I cannot trace it in Bourne's or Brand's Popular Antiquities.
[See Ellis's Edit. L 68-69.]
The Morris Dance in Wales.
[iSip, pp. 222, 223.]
Without troubling you or your Readers with many impertinent
observations upon the subject of the Morris dance, in all its various
forms, and which has been illustrated by many abler hands than
mine, allow me to give you a plain statement of such modifications of
that ancient dance as are still exhibited in this part of the country,
not during the " Merry month of May," but like that recorded by
Dr. Plot, at Christmas, and mingled with the usual exhibitions of
that festive season.
The most conspicuous figure is the Aderyn bee y llwyd bird, with
the grey beak ; this is formed by the skeleton bones of a horse's head,
furnished with artificial eyes and ears, and highly decorated with
ribbons and coloured paper ; it is borne by a man whose person is
concealed beneath a long cloth ; his part is to imitate the amblings,
curvetings, starlings, and kickings of the horse : he is attended by a
groom, whose business it is to sooth his affected angers and fears, and
keep him within proper bounds ; three or four partners in the profits
of the exhibition, who are by turns horse, groom, or attendants,
accompany him from house to house, and after a due exhibition of
the horse's various antics, a hat is put into his mouth, and a collec-
tion levied upon the spectators. This is evidently the Hobby-horse,
detached from the Morris-dance, and it is observable that the Welsh
name very nearly approaches that of a similar French exhibition,
1'oiseau, a long bee.
Another exhibition is called, corruptly, "The Merry Dancers."
There are usually three persons dressed in short jackets, which, as
well as their hats, are decorated with a profusion of paper ornaments ;
they proceed from house to house, dancing in each a sort of reel,
chiefly, I believe, peculiar to Wales ; after dancing the heys and
setting, two of the dancers, by turns, take strong hold of each other's
wrists, and continue turning round for a much longer time than would
be sufficient to make any ordinary head completely giddy. The
Welsh are generally very good dancers, and very fond of it ; and, on
these occasions particularly, the feet keep time with the musick in a
most energetic shuffle upon the floor, somewhat similar to a particular
8o Social Manners and Customs.
step in the old hornpipe, which is also occasionally danced by one of
the " Merry Dancers," if any of the party happens to be particularly
expert The musick is generally the harp, which I am sorry to
observe is daily declining, and the detestable fiddle is superseding
the native instrument A frequent, but not universal accompaniment
of this merry dance, are the conspicuous and grotesque figures of
Punch and Judy. The gentleman is dressed according to the taste
and ability of the wearer; generally in a cap and mask of some
animal's skin, with the hair on, and the jacket is either much decorated,
or entirely composed of the same materials ; a fox's brush, if it can
be got, or some other hairy ornament is pendent from behind, and a
concealed bell tinkles about his hinder parts. His right hand wields
a rod, with which he plentifully belabours his wife Judy, who is
personated by the tallest man the party are able to procure. He is
habited in female attire, the face blacked, and an enormously broad-
brimmed, slouched beaver hat upon the head. These two dance a
pas de deux, to give occasional rest to the other performers. The step
of this dance is a sort of shuffling run, in very short steps, somewhat
resembling what in fashionable assemblies, 20 years ago, was known
by the name of the " partridge step." The jingle of Punch's bell is
the only music, and the frequent application of his rod to Judy's
back the most striking part of the performance The merry dancers
are not always accompanied by these figures, but each occasionally
form a separate exhibition. Old Christmas-day is that upon which
these, as well as Aderyn bee a llwyd, make their appearance.
New-year's day is marked by all the children of the neighbourhood
forming themselves in little groups, and carrying from house to house
their congratulations and good wishes for health and prosperity during
the ensuing year, which are symbolized by each bearing in his hand
an apple, stuck full of corn, variously coloured, and decorated with a
sprig of some evergreen ; three short skewers serve as supports to the
apple when not held in the hand, and a fourth serves to hold it by
without destroying its many coloured honours.
E. H.
Corpus Christi Gild.
[1784, Part 1., pp. 103, 104.]
We find the solemnities of Corpus Christi Day (generally thought
to be peculiar to Coventry, and as such recorded in Dugdale's
Warwickshire, and Pennant's journey from Chester) were performed
at Dublin with great preparation of pageants. The glovers were to
represent Adam and Eve, an angel bearing a sword before them ; the
corrisees (perhaps curriers), Cain and Abel, with an altar and their
offering ; the mariners and vintners, Noah and the persons in the ark,
apparelled in the habits of carpenters and salmon-takers ; the weavers
personated Abraham and Isaac with their offering and altar ; the
Corpus Christi Gild. 8 t
smiths, Pharoah with his host; the skinners, the camel with the
children of Israel ; the goldsmiths were to find the King of Cullen
(Cologne) ; the hookers, the shepherds, with an angel singing Gloria,
etc. ; Corpus Christi gild, Christ in his passion, with the Marys and
Angels ; the taylors, Pilate with his fellowship, and his wife doathed
accordingly ; the barbers, Anna and Caiaphas ; the fishers, the
Apostles ; the merchants, the prophets ; and the butchers, the
tormentors. Tho. Fitzgerald E. of Kildare, lord-lieutenant, was
invited, Christmas, 1528, to a new play every day, wherein the taylors
acted Adam and Eve ; the shoemakers, Crispin and Crispianus ; the
vintners, Bacchus and his story ; the carpenters, the story of Joseph
and Mary : the smiths, that of Vulcan ; and the bakers, that of
Ceres. The prior of S. John of Jerusalem, Trinity, and all Saints,
caused to be represented on the same stage two plays, Christ's
Passion, and the Death of the Apostles. The play of The nine
Worthies was also acted on Corpus Christi day, 1541. Harris' Hist,
of Dublin, pp. 143, 145, and 147; MS. Harl. 2013 and 2124, is a
list of pageants or plays to be presented (1600) by the companies at
Chester. [See Note 13.] The tanners are to represent the creation of
heaven, angels, and devils ; the drapers, that of the world ; the water
leaders and drawers of Dee, the flood (Noah's wife swears by Christ and
St. John) ; the barbers and wax-chandlers, Abraham's return from the
slaughter of the five kings ; the cappers and linen-drapers, the giving
of the law ; the wrightes, the salutation and nativity ; the painters, the
shepherds ; the vintners, the three kings ; the mercers, their offering :
the goldsmiths, the slaughter of the innocents ; the blacksmiths, the
purification ; the bowchers, the temptation ; the glovers, the curing
the blind man and raising of Lazarus; the corvisors, Christ in the
house of Simon the leper ; the bakers, the Lord's Supper and the
betraying of Christ ; the fletchers, bowyers, cowpers, and stringers, the
passion : the ironmongers, the crucifixion ; the skinners, the resurrec-
tion ; the sadlers, the journey to Emmaus, and the appearing to the
other disciples ; the taylors, the ascension ; the fishmongers, the
chusing of Matthias and descent of the Holy Ghost ; the clothworkers,
Ezechiel's vision of the bones ; the diars, the coming of Antichrist ;
the websters, the last judgement In the first of these MSS. is a
proclamation for Whitstone plays, made by W. Nowall, clerk of the
pendice, 24 Henry VIII., setting forth, that in " ould tyme, not only
for the augmentacyon and increes of the holy and Catholick faith,
and to exort the minds of common people to good devotion and
wholesome doctrine, but also for the commonwealthe and prosperity
of this citty (Chester) a play and declaracyon of divers stories of the
Bible, beginning with the creation and fall of Lucifer, and ending
with the generall judgement of the world, to be declared and played
openly in pageants in the Whitsonne weeke, was devised and made by
Sir Hen. Frances, somtyme mooncke there ; who gat of Clement,
6
82 Social Manners and Customs.
then bushop of Rome, 1000 days of pardon, and of the bushop of
Chester at that tyme 40 days of pardon, to every person resorting in
peaceable manner to see and heare the said plays ; which were to the
honour of God, by John Arnway, then mayor of Chester, his brethren,
and the whole cominalty thereof, to be brought forth, declared and
played at the coste and charges of the craftsmen and occupacyons of
the said city," etc. All who disturbed them were to be accursed of
the Pope till he absolved them. Arnway was mayor 1327 and 1328,
at which time these plays were written by Randall Higgenett (probably
Ranulph Higden), monk of Chester Abbey, who was thrice at Rome
before he could obtain the Pope's leave to have them in English. In
Thoresby's MS. of Corpus Christi play, by Tho. Cutler and Rich.
Nandyke, now in Mr. Walpole's possession, the trades mentioned are,
wefferes (weavers), cappers (hatters added in a modern hand), estre-
reners, gyrdillers, tylle-thakkers (tilers, thatchers with tyles) ; spicers,
shavers, parchmynners, shermen, and wyne-drawers ; merceres, added
as modern, Richard, father of Moreton, bishop of Durham, being
the first of that trade, at least, in the North of England. Fuller's
Worth. York. 229 ; Thoresby, Due., p. 517.
A note of the particulars of the properties of the stage play played
at Lincoln in the month of July, ao 6 regine Elizabethe, in the time
of the mayoralty of Richard Carter, which play was then played in
Broadgate in the said city, and it was of the story of Old Tobit in the
Old Testament.
LYING AT MR. NORTON'S HOUSE, IN TENURE OF WM. SMART.
First, hell mouth with a nether chap.
Item, a prison with a covering.
Item, Sarah's chambre.
REMAINING IN ST. SWITHIN'S CHURCH.
Item, a great idol with a club.
Item, a tomb with a covering.
Item, the cyty of Jerusalem, with towers and pinnacles.
Item, the cyty of Raiges, with towers and pinnacles.
Item, the cyty of Nineveh.
Item, Old Tobye's house.
Item, the Israelite's house, and the neighbour's house.
Item, the king's palace at Laches.
Item, a firmament, with a fiery cloud and a double cloud, in the
custody of Tho. Fulbeck, alderman.
We see here the origin of our stage plays, which were at first only
those pageants which after ages levelled to the decoration of a lord
mayor's show. [See Note 14.]
Q-
The Burlesque Festivals of Former Ages. 83
The Burlesque Festivals of Former Ages.
[1821, Part //., //. 99-101.]
The Parodies of our Ancestors are in no wise indebted to contem-
porary Literature for their preservation. They were chiefly the amuse-
ments of an ignorant populace, who, unendowed with abstract ideas
of wit and pleasure, could only imagine them in the ridicule of cere-
monies they were accustomed to respect Selden and others consider
them as relicks of the Roman Saturnalia, but their existence was too
remote from that period to confirm the supposition ; and we must
seek their origin in the numerous Festivals of celebration observed by
the primitive Christians, and which, in the hands of the ignorant or
vulgar, were degraded, from loose representations, to indecent parodies.
Yet, if no part of their system were derived from the annual feast of
the Romans, their effects at least were of the same nature — a tempo-
rary removal of all subordination, ending in excess and riot. Some,
indeed, of the ceremonies we purpose to relate, were not productive
of such consequences, but they belong to the same class, and had
their origin in the same cause, — religious representation. Whatever
their purport, tendency, or spirit, it was insufficient to attract the notice
of the learned ; while they existed in the mouths, or served to gratify
the curiosity of mankind, no one was interested in their duration, or
anxious to perpetuate his name by recording them. In the bitter
treatises of puritan divines (\yho, like the file, gnawed whatever
opposed them), we find rude but interesting descriptions of these
ceremonies : nor would those descriptions have appeared, had not
the writers considered all customs contemporary with Catholicism as
partaking of its nature. A more liberal spirit now exists, and nations
are employed in collecting the scattered pieces of that image to which
their ancestors bowed. [See Note 15.]
In viewing these Festivals singly and collectively, it will be necessary
to proceed according to their dignities, spiritual and temporal, in the
following order:
Fete des Asnes. — Feast of Asses. — Pope of Fools.'1' — Prince of Sots. —
Boy Bishop. — Lord of Misrule. — Abbot of Unreason.
With the FETE DES ASNES is associated the purest feeling of piety.
It was instituted in honour of our Saviour and his Virgin Mother, but
with reference to what event in Scripture is by no means clear. The
ceremony was conducted by the Bishop and Clergy ofBeauvais, who,
from their manner, were without doubt actuated by sin.-ere religion.
They selected a fair young damsel, who rode through the streets,
mounted on a palfrey, covered with superb housings, and bearing an
* Strutt mentions a King of Christmas and of the Bean, but these were domestic
festivals only.
6—3
84 Social Manners and Customs.
infant in her arms ; the Prelate following with his crosier, and the
Ecclesiasticks with tapers, till they reached the Cathedral, where the
Virgin was placed in the sanctuary. Mass was then performed with
the accustomed solemnity ; at the conclusion of which, the Monks
thrice imitated the braying of an ass, exclaiming " Hinham,"* instead
of the usual " Ite, missa est" Extravagant as this spectacle was, it
united a splendour which excited the admiration of the people, with a
humility which awakened real piety. That it was ever celebrated in
England, does not appear. The Abbd Guyot mentions one particular
instance of it at Beauvais, in the year 1223.+
THE FEAST OF THE Ass bears no resemblance whatever to the Fete
des Asnes ; the circumstances of this impious parody turned on the
story of the prophet Balaam, whose representation rode in a motley
procession on the wooden figure of an ass, enclosing a speaker : like
his prototype, he was impeded by an angel, whom he affected not to
perceive, till the interlocution of the suffering animal opened his eyes.
After this supposed miracle, the beast was led in triumph, accom-
panied by a cavalcade, consisting of six Jews, and as many Gentiles,
among which latter was the poet Virgil. The band chaunted prayers
till they arrived at the Church, where Mass was performed, and the
characteristic " Hinham " sung in chorus at the end of each stanza.
Such was the outline of a custom
" More honour'd in the breach than in th' observance."
And which is of no further interest than as it illustrates the gross
manners of the age, and the ignorance of its performers. \
THE POPE OF FOOLS presided at a Festival more popular than any
other, and celebrated promiscuously by all orders. His principal
convocation was held in the Cathedral of Paris, on the Feast of Cir-
cumcision, when his prelates attended with a suite of ecclesiastics.
The ceremony was conducted by the Clergy and Laity without dis-
tinction, habited in masquerade, and exhibiting a behaviour similar to
that of the votaries of Jughanaut. Having taken possession of the
altar, the Pontiff proceeded to celebrate Mass, with the most impure
songs and representations.
P. de Blois, in a circular Letter addressed to the Clergy of France,
1444, complains of these profanations, observing that the rabble pol-
luted the censers, played at dice on the altar, and parodied the Com-
munion itself in their meals. The register of St. Stephen of Dijon,
1494, notices some other extravagancies, particularly the Precentor of
Fools, who mounted a stage erected before the Church, and there
underwent the clerical tonsure, amusing the congregation with ribald
* Similar to the ' Houyhnhnms ' in Gulliver's Travels,
t Guyot, Histoire de la France, vol. Hi., p. 109.
J Strutt's Sports and Pastimes, B. 4. ch. 3.— Godwin's Life of Chaucer, vol. i.,
p. J55-
The Burlesque Festivals of Former Ages. 85
jests and ridiculous contortions of his features. The service being
finished, his Holiness gave his benediction to the rabble, and ascended
an open car, in which he was drawn through the city, while his at-
tendant priests threw filth among the spectators. Of this nature was
the Feast of Fools in England, the Fete des Foux in France, and the
Festum Fatuorum in other countries, which last was prohibited at the
Council of Basil, as an abuse of decency and religion. A Rex Stul-
torum, or King of Fools, once existed in England, but his office was
abolished at an early period, and never revived.*
While the Church was thus open to parody and burlesque, no one
can be surprised that lay dignities met with as little respect.
The most remarkable Festival was one which, patronized by the
princes, and cherished by the people, held its sway throughout the
kingdom of France. Its origin was this : A company of disorderly
people, called " enfans sans souci," established a Theatre in the diffe-
rent market-places, where they performed ludicrous pieces, still re-
membered as " Sotises," dramatizing the most eligible adventures of
their town, and acknowledging a superior as Prince of Sots. By these
people were the Churches converted into Theatres, where they repre-
sented pantomimes, played at dice, and ate their porridge in public on
the altar. Not immediately connected with these, but kindred in
nature and manners, was a society named Brothers of the Passion,
who confounded their ribald exhibitions, which they termed " Mys-
teries of Fable," with the mystical parts of Christianity. Their
original institution was by a Count of Cleves, in 1380, from which
period their numbers increased till they grew formidable to the Crown
itself; so that the Kings of France, in consideration of State policy,
thought proper to embody both these institutions by letters-patent,
and bring them under their own power. This proceeding, however
calculated to curb their power, served to increase their numbers, as
they were now authorized to commit their extravagancies, and the
Prince of Sots became the Monarch of his people. He established
an empire, enacted laws, and regulated the insignia of his decorations.
In 1402 he made his Royal entry into Paris, with every mark of riotous
festivity ; the procession being as follows : — Men, women, and children,
playing musick — Standard-bearer carrying a flag, exhibiting the Sun
surrounded with his rays — The Prince on horseback — Guards in party-
coloured habits, ornamented with little bells of gold. The horse of
his Highness was decorated with splendid housings, and he, instead
of a crown, bore a Monk's cowl, surmounted with a pair of ass's ears.
Every year this potentate convoked his subjects, and made his entry
into the metropolis.
When the ceremony was abolished does not appear ; but it is pro-
* Tilliot, Mem. de la Fete des Folix apud Warton, ii. xvi. — Strutt, iv. 3. —
Guyot, iii. 108, 9. — John Gregory on the Buy Bishop.
86 Social Manners and Customs.
bable that during the succeeding troubles of Charles VI., when the
nation was engaged in a tedious and destructive war, it sunk into
disuse, and was gradually forgotten.*
[1821, Part II., pp. 198200.]
Of the BOY BISHOP a more minute description has reached us than
any of the former parodies, owing to the discovery of a monument in
the Cathedral Church of Sarum of a little boy in an episcopal habit,
with a dragon at his feet. This figure had lain for many years under
a seat near the pulpit, at the removal of which it was discovered, and
placed in the North part of the nave, between the pillars, " not with-
out a general imputation of reverence ; it seeming impossible to every
one, that either a Bishop could be so small in person, or a childe so
great in clothes." Bishop Mountague, whose controversial engage-
ments afforded him no leisure for the study of antiquities, directed
the learned John Gregory to investigate the circumstance, which he
commenced by examining the Statutes of that church, and, by a felicity
of research, was enabled to compile a full account of the monument
and its origin. The publication of his labours was delayed by the
author's death ; but they were given to the world in his " Posthuma,"
edited by his friend John Gurgany, under this title : " Episcopus
Puerorum in Die Innocentium ; or, a Discoverie of an Antient Custom
in the Church of Sarum, making an Anniversarie Bishop among the
Choristers. London, printed by William Dugard, for Laurence
Sadler, and are to be sold at the Golden Lion, in Little Britain,"
1649, 4to.f
This ceremony, as the title intimates, was one of the numerous
commemorations of the Murder of the Innocents, still observed at the
feast of Kildermas. Without examining into the traditions of the
Jews relative to that event, the celebration seems to have originated
in the Christian Church of Ethiopia, at their Corban or Communion;
but so tardy was its progress, that in the reign of Justinian it was
unknown at Constantinople : succeeding ages, however, gave rise to
numerous and diversified Festivals, which, while they kept the memory
of their origin alive, added to the monastic influence in Europe. It
is recorded of Louis XI. that he transacted no public or private busi-
ness on that day, so profound was his veneration for this solemnity ;
other persons entertained a different idea of celebration, and inflicted
a severe flagellation upon children, with the intention of adding a reality
to the gloom of the Festival. \ Absurd as these remembrances may
seem, the ritual of Oseney enjoined one peculiarly indecent to its re-
ligious aspect ; the foot of a child was there kept in the vestry, for the
purpose of being carried among the congregation on that Festival, as
* Guyot, IV. 39, 40. f Pp- of 'he volume from 95 to 123 inclusive.
J Gregory.
The Burlesque Festivals of Former Ages. 87
an object of adoration.* But the most " commensurate recollection
(says Gregory), did not the superstitious part spoil the decorum," is
this, namely, the Boy Bishop : his account, collected principally from
the Statute of Salisbury, " De Episcopo Choristarum," is the most
perfect one extant, although it has not had the fortune to be repub-
lished in this age of dissertation and research ; from that source,
therefore, must our chief information be drawn, while we consider the
Boy Bishop in his pomp, office, and decline.
I. The Bishop was chosen by his fellow children on St. Nicholas'
Day (whether by lot, suffrage, or seniority, is uncertain), and retained
his dignity till the close of Childermas. He bore the name, enjoyed
the state, and carried the crosier of a prelate, with a mitre more costly
than those of real episcopacy ,-t while the other choristers assumed
the part of Prebendaries, yielding to their superior canonical obedi-
ence, and performing the accustomed service, Mass only excepted, the
celebration of which was committed to none but priests, as successors
to the Apostles, to whom alone that authority was given.J On the
eve of the Festival of Innocents, a solemn procession was made to
the altar of the Holy Trinity by the whole chapter, in the following
order :
Dean and Canons — Chaplains — BOY BISHOP, with his Prebendaries
— Canons residentiary, bearing the incense and Bible — Minor Canons
in copes, bearing tapers — Choristers on each side.
The procession entered the choir by the West door, after which the
Bishop seated himself at the upper end, the Chaplains, in the middle,
and the Dean at the lower. § During the first anthem, he fumigated
the altar and image of the Trinity, and repeated the verse " Laeta-
mini," etc., to which all present responded. After a short prayer,
similar to the collect now used,|| the chaunter-chorister commenced
the " De Sancta Maria," which was succeeded by the Prelate's bene-
diction, who, receiving the crosier from one of his attendants, figured
a cross on his forehead, exclaiming, " Adjutorium nostrum in nomine
Domini," the congregation answering, "Qui fecit Ccelum et Terram."
Some other ceremonies hairing taken place, he dismissed them with
* The Rubric has these words, " Item notandum quod in Die Innocentium, post
Primam, preparatur Pes innocentis; videlicet, cum rubro auricular!, nigroque
panno super auricularem posito, qui jacet in quadam cista in Revestuario, et postea
in Karola deferatur, ut adoretur a populo."
t " Multis Episcoporum mitris sumtuosior."
j See Langley's " Abridgeme't of the notable worke [de rerum inventoribus
of Polidore Vergile," 1546, fol. c. xiii. b.
§ " Ut Decanus cum Canonicis infimum locum ; Sacellani, medium ; Scholares
vero cum suo Episcopo ultimum et dignissimum locum occupant." Statute of
Sarum, apud Gregory.
II " Deus, cujus hodierna die praeconium Innocente? Martyres non loquendo, sed
moriendo, confess! sunt, omnia in nobis vitiorum mala mortifica ; ut fidem tuam
quam Lingua nostra loquitur, etiam moribus vila fateatur ; Qui cum Patre et
Spiritu Sancto " etc.
Social Manners and Customs.
these words : " Benedicat vos omnipotens Deus, Pater, et Filius, et
Spiritus Sanctus." — The procession then returned in the same order
as before.
Amongst the various imitations of dignity which distinguished these
Festivals, the Boy Bishop claims a high distinction, as well for its
solemnity, as its observance of decency and order ; and so great was
the respect entertained for its observance, that all persons were for-
bidden, under pain of anathema, to disturb the children during their
divine service ; nor was any priest, of whatever degree, allowed to
ascend the upper step of the altar till the procession of the following
day should be finished.
II. From the different authors who mention this Prelate, we have
but a faint idea of his office and duties, as far as regards the Church
of Sarum. He held a visitation in his little diocese, a circumstance
in itself sufficient to show that his appointment was not merely one of
commemoration, or its pomp independent of utility. As the Festival
was observed in all collegiate churches in England and France,* it is
not to be wondered at, that different modes of celebration should
exist In some chapels, on the anniversary of St. Nicholas and the
Innocents, the children performed Mysteries and Moralities, with
sports of a less austere nature, but without any deviation from rever-
ence or decorum. At St. Paul's, the prelate delivered a sermon to
his congregation, probably in public, as the service was attended by
the scholars of that institution. From these scanty particulars, it is
just to suppose that the prelate's office was consonant to the directions
the elegant historian of Urbino has given :
" A Bishoppes roume is not so muche an honour as it is an heuye burden, not
so muche a laude as a lode. For his deutie is not onely to weare a mitre and
crosier, but also to watche over the flocke of the Lorde vigilantly, to teache with
the worde diligently, with example honestly, and in all thynges too go afore them
uprightly, and leade them in the waie of trueth, that thei male folowe the patron
of his godly lyuyng, and there as it were in a myrroure beholde howe thei oughte
too refourme and confourme their lyvyng."f
Whether this office was lucrative remains to be discovered. The
Boy Bishop of Cambrai is the only one of whose revenues and
patronage any idea can be formed ; he was in the receipt of certain
rents (though to what amount is not said), and had the disposal of
whatever prebend became void in his time, which he usually'bestowed
on his preceptor. { His power was of short duration, being limited to
a month, but seems to have been more extensive than that of the
petty prelates in this country. Nor has the Antiquary informed his
readers if the honours of the chorister ceased with his episcopal func-
tions, whether he still retained a superiority among his companions,
or sunk into the condition of a chaunter-boy, undistinguished and
• Godwin's Life of Chaucer, i. 157.— Warton, i. vi.— Strutt, ubi supra,
t I -angley's Translation [of Polidore Virgil], fol. Ixxxx.
J Molauus, apud Gregory.
The Burlesque Festivals of Former Ages. 89
unregarded. One thing alone is certain. In case of a Bishop dying
within the appointed term, he was buried with a melancholy pomp, in
all his ornaments ; the figure of a prelate with a dragon at his feet, in
allusion to a passage in Scripture,* being placed on his tomb.
III. The decline of this Festival throughout Europe may be attri-
buted to two reasons, not entirely independent of each other. On
the Continent, after surviving the numerous parodies of religion, the
Boy Bishop appears to have sunk into disuse, from the causes which
combined to subvert the Catholic faith, and the corruption occasioned
by time. With these ideas, the council of Basil prohibited the Feast
of Innocents, together with that of Fools, as an abuse of Religion.
In England the cause was somewhat different, for it fell with the faith
to which it was appendant Yet it is but just to observe, that one
whose name is sufficient to recommend his opinions, conceived the
idea of rendering it serviceable in instruction ; it was COLET, Dean of
St. Paul's, and founder of the School, who added to the importance
of a ceremony, already on the verge of abolition. In the statutes of
his foundation, drawn up in 1512, he directs that the boys "shall
every Childermas Day come to Paule's Churche, and hear the Childe
Bishop's sermon ; and after be at hygh Masse ; and each of them
offer a penny to the Childe Byshop, and with them the maisters and
surveyors of the Schole."t This worthy priest did not live to see the
suppression of his favourite custom,J which was abolished by an
Order of Council in 1536, during the progress of the dissolution of
monasteries. The order, which is extremely curious, contains some
notices of this remarkable Festival :
" Whereas heretofore dy vers and many superstitious and chyldysh observances
have been used, and yet to this day are observed and kept in many and sundry
places of this realm ; children be strangelie decked and apparayled to coun-
terfeit priests, bishops, and women, and so ledde with songs and dances from
house to house, blessing the people, and gathering of money ; and boyes do singe
masse, and preache in the pulpits, with such other unfit'mge and inconvenient
usages, which tend rather to derysyon than anie true glorie of God, or honor of
his sayntes. "§
Although this denunciation attacks nothing but what was agreeable
to the humour of the people, and consistent with a custom which pro-
duced no great evil, in consequence of the rage for abolishing every-
thing established as Catholic or profane, the Boy Bishop shared the
fate of his religion. During the short reign of Mary, this Festival
experienced a temporary revival ;|| but her decease, and the subsequent
regulations, gave the death-blow to an institution, which, as Gregory
justly observes, " deserveth to be remembered, tho' it were not fit to
have been done." The triennial procession of the Eton scholars ad
monlem is by many conjectured to have originated in this custom ;1F
" Conculcabis Leonem et Draconem." f Knight's Life of Colet.
t He died in 1519. § Cotton MS. apud Strutt. || Strutt.
IT Warton, ii. 16. Mr. Godwin calls the procession biennial.
go Social Manners and Customs.
and some traces of this imitation of dignity may be discerned in the
Captain of the Collegiate School of Westminster : both of these foun-
dations were originally of a monastic character, and the effect of
scenes to which their members were once familiar, is yet to be found
within their walls.
[1821, Part Jl., pp. 320-323.]
Were we to judge of the national diversions in Scotland by their
dramatic parodies, they must have been few and unvaried. While
the Southern parts of Britain enjoyed so many representations, the
Abbot of Unreason appears to have been the sole imitation of eccle-
siastical dignity in the North. Whether these ebullitions of popular
excess were forbidden by clerical authority, or checked by the
reverence due to the monastic character, cannot now be determined ;
all that remains for the Antiquary or Historian, is, to treat of customs
for which he can discover no cause, and assign no origin.
The Abbot of Unreason ranks as the last of these remarkable prac-
tices, not only from the laws of precedence, but from the little estima-
tion his office has obtained.* Of this personage it is only observed
that, familiar to the lowest classes, he became a public nuisance,
rather than the free diversion of the people, t But the same abuses
were tolerated in better society, under another appellation. The city
of Aberdeen was distinguished by its Abbot of Bon-Accord, a title
egregiously misapplied ; for, while the purport of his office was to
promote good humour, it tended to riot and debauchery. \ So tardy
was the progress of Literature, and so indistinct the amusements, in
Scotland, that this irreverent personage was honoured with the super-
intendence of the Mysteries or Sacred Dramas, the only part of his
history that can convey an interest to his memory ; with most writers,
however, that particular was unimportant, while the scandal of his
revelry existed ; one of them speaks of it in nearly the following
words :
" For you, O streets, were unconscious of the joys
We tasted, in the festive celebration
Of Bon- Accord, disturb'd with ribald noise,
[The reverend custom of this ancient nation].
Thou, Aberdeen, and ye, delightful measures,
Betwixt our cups bore witness to those pleasures."§
* In the popular novel of "The Abbot," may be found a description of this
personage, interesting to general readers, but calculated rather to amuse than
inform those who seek for illustration. Vol. i. p. 299.
t Dr. G. Stuart's View of Society in Europe [2nd edit. I792]-
J Irving's Scottish Poets, i. 204.
§ See a poem entitled Propempticon Charitum Abredonensium, in Tn Tiav MUTWV
K£o&a, Edin. 1618, folio, in which the following lines occur :
"Namque, ut nos hilares solida inter gaudia nodes
Egeremus, testes vestro hoc clamore secundo
(Juae fremuere via:, Bon-Accord, Abieilonia testis,
Testes tot chore* Bacchi inter pocula lietae."
The Burlesque Festivals of Former Ages. 9 i
By such attributes was the Abbot distinguished. His licentiousness,
joined to the excesses he prompted and enjoyed, gave such offence to
the serious inhabitants of Aberdeen, that the town-council formally
deprived him of his fees, in the year 1445, with a view to his entire
suppression ; aware that the crowds who frequented these exhibitions
were too poor to maintain them. Their authority, however, was in-
sufficient to abolish a custom so congenial to the popular spirit, and
his office was not only recognised by the magistracy, but an annual
allowance often marks appointed him in 1486.*
From this period till 1555, the Abbot's privileges were undisturbed,
when an Act of Parliament was passed, ordaining " that in all times
cummyng, na maner of person be chosen Robert Hude, nor Little John,
Abbot of Unreason, Queenis of May, nor otherwise, nouther in burgh
nor to landwart"t Still the people continued their diversions ; and,
in 1560, a serious riot was produced by the prohibition of "Robin
Hood." Laws, generally speaking, are a tardy method of repressing
habitual abuses ; the interference of the Clergy was in this instance
more effectual ; and the Reformer of Scotland, who commenced his
labours amongst an ignorant populace, saw at a later period their
manners entirely changed, their amusements deserted, and their
tumultuous disposition reduced to a serious and religious deportment.
Mr. Irving, however, is of opinion, that the Abbot of Bon-Accord was
not entirely abolished as late as 1618.
The Abbot of Misrule, as far as regards his title, was peculiar to
England, and enjoyed a greater license, with greater repute, than his
brother of the North. As president of the festivities, at Easter, at
Whitsuntide, and Christmas, he directed the Mysteries and Masque-
rades of a palace, contributing to the sport, and enlivening the scene. J
No parody of dignity has descended to modern ages with so little
illustration ; the names of the Abbots are lost, their attributes un-
noticed, and their history forgotten. The Dissolution put an end to
this custom, the clerical ceremony fell with the religion it disgraced,
and a laic rose on its ruins.
The only Lord of Misrule of whom we have a biographical account,
was George Ferrars, a native of St. Alban's in Hertfordshire, and
joined to the judgment of a lawyer the graces of a cavalier, and the
imagination of a poet. A circumstance of parliamentary importance
occurs in his personal life ; while serving as burgess for Plymouth in
1542, he was arrested for debt, and thrown into prison ; indignant at
which, the House established the freedom still enjoyed by their
* Irving, ubi supra.
t Ibid. p. 210.
J Lelaml, in his Collectanea, anno 1489, says, "This Christmas I saw no
disgysyngs, and but right few plays ; hut there was an Abbot of Misrule that made
muche sport, and did right well his office."
92 Social Manners and Customs.
successors.* The appointment of Ferrars to this situation was a
political scheme to divert the King, who was grieved, and the populace,
who were incensed, at the execution of the Protector Somerset, in
iSSz.t This office, heretofore filled by persons of no credit or
genius, was so ably executed by Ferrars, that on the 3oth of November,
he received a Royal donation of ^100 ; and at the beginning of the
following year, was entertained by Sir George Barne, Lord Mayor of
London, with greater ceremony and compliment than one in his
situation could possibly deserve. \ In 1559, he furnished some
poetical pieces to the " Mirror for Magistrates ;" and at the celebrated
revels of Kenil worth, in 1579, was employed by the Earl of Leicester
to compose some of the verses spoken on different occasions before
the Queen, at which time he was still in office. He died at Flamstead,
in Hertfordshire, in the year 1579, as, on the i8th of May, administra-
tion was granted on his effects. §
But this antient custom, like other institutions, was about to undergo
another change. The Lord of Misrule had superseded the Abbot,
and was destined to be suppressed in turn. As the nation became
better informed, the Court more refined, and the Puritans more
violent, so perished the remembrance of antient times.
The gay, courtly Master of t/ie J?evels\\ succeeded to the office, and
conducted himself with less humour, but more decorum ; to him
* See the notes appended to Gascoigne's Princely Pleasures of Kenilworth,
1821, pp. 93, 94 ; and Andrew's Continuation of Henry's Hist, of Great Britain,
vol. ii. p. 188.
t Holinshed gives a long narration of this ceremony and office, of which the
following is a part : " Of old ordinarie course there is alwaise one appointed to
make sporte in the Court, called commonlie Lord of Misrule ; whose office is
not unknown to such as haue beene brought up in noblemen's houses, and among
great housekeepers, which use liberall feasting in that season ;" and mentions that
he "not onlie satisfied the common sort," but "the young King himselfe, as
appeared by his princelie liberalise in rewarding that service.' Chron. of England,
vol. iii. p. 1067.
J "On Monday, the fourth of January, the said Lord of merry desports came
by water [from Greenwich] to London, and landed at the Tower-wharfe, entered
the Tower, and then rode through the Tower-streete, where he was received by
Sergeant Vawce, Lord of Mis-rule to John Mainard, one of the Sheriffes of
London, and so conducted through the citie with a great company of young lords
and gentlemen, to the house of Sir George Barne, Lord Maior ; where he, with
the Chiefe of his company dined, and after had a great banquet ; and, at his
departure, the Lord Maior gaue him a standing cup, with a couer of silver and guilt,
of the value of ten pound, for a reward ; and also set a hogshead of wine and a barrcll
of beere at his gate for his traine that followed him ; the residue of his gentlemen
and sernants dined at other aldermen's houses, and with the sheriffes, and so
departed to the Tower-wharfe againe, and to the Court by water, to the great
commendation of the Maior and Aldermen, and highly accepted of the King and
Councell." — Stowe's Annals, edit. 1611, p. 608.
§ Notes to Gascoigne, ubi supra.
II To this office appertained a yeoman and a groom ; the latter is mentioned in
Ben J onson's Masque of Augures, as purloining the coals allowed for his master.
The Burlesque Festivals of Former Ages. 93
appertained the direction of plays,* and the masques represented at
Whitehall ; a power now enjoyed by the Lord Chamberlain, the legi-
timate descendant of the " Abbot of Misrule."f
Nor was this personage unknown amongst the associated students
of former centuries. Anthony Wood, in his History of Oxford,
mentions a similar custom in the colleges of Merton and St John ;
and Warton informs us that in the Statutes of Trinity, Cambridge
(founded in 1546), a Prefect of Games is expressly spoken of; a
member of the society, of the degree of M.A., was appointed by the
senior fellows, to preside over the Christmas sports of the juniors,
with an allowance of 403., governing the whole body by a code of
laws of his own framing, in Greek and Latin verse. \ The inns of
court not being enjoined to this ceremony by the Statutes, regulated
their pleasures by their finances, and supported the Festival by a sub-
scription amongst themselves ; the election was splendid and ex-
pensive, the new potentate appointed officers consonant to the state
of a palace, and feasted the nobility with great pomp, concluding the
entertainment with a dramatic spectacle.§
Warton has recorded a Christmas Prince, elected by the " Middle
Temple " in 1635, whose brief reign was distinguished by extraordinary
splendour; his suite consisting of a Lord Keeper, Treasurer, eight
officers with white wands (similar to the Lords in Waiting), Gentlemen
Pensioners, and two Chaplains, who preached before him on the Sunday
preceding the Nativity. He dined in the public hall, under a cloth
of estate, the Lord Holland furnishing the venison, and the City
Magistrates the wine, on this occasion. After the expiration of his
reign, the ex-monarch received the honour of knighthood at Whitehall.
Individuals frequently maintained a Ruler of Pastimes at their own
expense ; and Lords of Misrule were to be found, not only in the
houses of the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs, but of every nobleman,
spiritual or temporal ; an extravagance which can only be defended
by that palliative of every abuse — the manners of the times. ||
* One of the first plays licensed by the Master of the Revels, was Jonson's
"Every Man in his Humour," 1598.
t Sir Henry Herbert is said to have been Master of the Revels during the reign
of Charles I. ; in 1673, that situation was held by the celebrated Thomas Killegrew,
on whose death, in 1682, it was bestowed on his kinsman Charles ; this gentleman
held it in 1715, with a salary of I5/. per annum, and was probably the last who
bore that appellation.
J History of English Poetry, ii. 378. The chapter of the College Statutes to
which he refers, is entitled " De Prsefecto Ludorum qui Imperator dicitur."
§ Chamberlayne's Anglise Notitia, 1673, Part ii., p. 259.
II An old historian, alluding to the Lord of Misrule, says. " The like had ye in
the house of every nobleman of honour or good worship, weie he spiritual or
temporal. The Mayor of London, and either [both] of the Sheriffs, had their
several Lords of Misrule, even contending, without quarrel or offence, who should
make the rarest pastime to delight the beholders. These Lords beginning their
rule on Allhallond-Eve, continued the same till the morrow after the Feast of the
Purification, commonly called Candlemas-day ; in which space there were fine and
94 Social Manners and Customs.
The provincial Lord of Misrule was an object of hatred to the
Puritans, who regarded him as a relick of exploded popery, which the
people were unwilling to resign; from their acrimonious writings,
while panegyrists and defenders are unknown, a tolerable notion of
this amusement may be derived. The villagers having assembled
together, chose their captain, whom they ennobled with the title of
LORD OF MISRULE ; after which he selected from 20 to 100 guards,
investing them with a livery of green, yellow, or " some other light
wanton colour." This motley train, arrayed in scarfs, ribands, and
laces, and adorned with bells, mounted their hobby-horses, and pro-
ceeded to disturb the respectable part of the village, assembled at
their devotions, the Sabbath being usually profaned by this execrable
sport If they succeeded in their aim, the crew departed (accom-
panied by a band of pipes and drums) to the scene of revelry and
dancing, where the Prince acted as president, adorned with the usual
regalia, which consisted of a velvet cap, a short cloak, and a yellow
ruff.* A feast was provided by the neighbours, who contributed such
viands as were suitable to mock royalty ; namely, bread and cheese,
ale, custards, cakes, flaunes, etc. Badges and tickets were purchased
by the spectators to secure themselves from the insults of the rabble,
by which they remained without molestation, and contributed to the
fund for supporting the monarch's dignity. +
Persevering in their vehement declarations, the puritans were en-
abled to overthrow this irrational custom, which perished in the
general wreck during the civil wars ; and, at the Restoration, the
people were too sensible to attempt its revival.
May-games and Wakes, the only remains of such ceremonies, yet
exist in some parts of England ; and itinerant companies of morrice-
dancers, a portion of these amusements, are still to be met with ; in
earlier times they formed, as well as their president, a part of every
nobleman's retinue, but have been long disused ; the last establish-
ment of this kind was maintained by the Duke of Bedford, at Woburn
Abbey, where they existed as late as the year 1766,$ perhaps till a
later period.
subtle disguisings, masks, and mummeries, with playing at cards for counters,
nayles, and points, in every house, more for pastime than for gaine." — Stowe, edit.
Strype, i. 252.
* See Jonson's Masque of Christmas, performed at Court in 1616. In this
piece are mentioned several attributes of his Lordship, unnoticed by the puritans.
Christmas says,
" Which you may know, by the very show,
Albeit you never aske it ;
For there you may see what his ensignes bee,
The rope, the cheese, and the basket."
f For a copious account of this Festival, see Philip Stubs's Anatomie of Abuses,
edit. 1585, folio, p. 92, b. A few variations may be found in the edition of 1595.
[See ante p. 76.]
J MSS. Cole, vol. xxxiv. p. 279.
The Burlesque Festivals of Former Aoes. 95
%* In the account of the Prince of Sots (ante p. 86), a reference was
made to Guyofs History of France, vol. IV. pp. 39, 40. — The Abb^,
who was peacher in ordinary to Louis XVI., relinquished his labours
in 1791 ; and Marechal, a republican bigot, furnished the fourth and
fifth volumes of this work. The first part of his supplement bears the
date of 1787 in the title-page, which is contradicted by an allusion to
the year 1 792, at page 180, respecting the disinterment of the monarchs
of France.
[1821, Part. II., pp. 509-512.]
Notwithstanding the interest attached to the parodies of individual
dignity, they yield, in point of "importance, to the PARLIAMENT OF
LOVE ; an institution which once held unlimited sway over the
morals of Europe, whether its object were corruption or refinement ;
offspring of Religion and Mirth, this custom may be regarded as the
parent of Superstition and Licentiousness ; but its power is no more,
and its effects have long ceased to be felt. The interest it creates is
the same as ever ; Commentators regard it as the origin of a poem
of Chaucer ;* Historians, as a portion of ancient chivalry ; and
Moralists as a valuable picture of ancestral manners and inventions.
There is, however, another particular which merits the attention of
all, — its genealogy : it was customary, from the earliest ages, during
the existence of the Pagan mythology, to pay divine honors to the
divinity of LOVE, varying in different nations, but usually celebrated
by an assembled people. Of these customs, three are of undoubted
antiquity : the Apeo&iaia, established by Cinyras, king of Cyprus ; the
KaiKtauiif of Amathus ; and the daily offerings on the hundred altars
of Paphos : — the worship of Venus, therefore, seems to be of Insular
orig n, but found its way at an early period to other countries ; for
her festivities were more widely diffused, and observed with more
sympathy of devotion, than those of sterner deities. Amongst the
Babylonians, a remarkable usage existed, probably borrowed from
Cyprus; namely, the assemblies in the temple of Mylitta,\ which
nearly resemble the Parliament of Love.
The Romans were not without the customs of their forefathers, but
imposed an air of secrecy upon them, aware of the necessity of appear-
ances. Still the similarity between ancient and modern institutions
is to be discerned, in the mysterious assemblies for the worship of
Ceres ; and the more public festivities on the kalends of April, when
the female sex were convened, for the purpose of paying the accus-
tomed honors, thus cursorily noticed by Ovid, j to their deity : —
" Matrons of Rome, your Mistress' rites prepare,
And ye whose locks no maiden fillets wear.§
Her image first divest of added grace,
With purest water every stain efface ;
* The Court of Love. t Herodotus, i. 199.
J Fasti, iv. 133. § The Courtezans^
96 Social Manners and Customs.
That labour past, each ornament restore,
And strew the freshest, choicest flow'rets o'er.
Last, where their leaves the verdant myrtles wave,
(Nor is the cause untold) your bodies lave :
As on the shore she wrung her moisten'd hair,
Pan's wanton crew approach'd the goddess fair ;
Beneath a myrtle's boughs conceal'd she lay,
And bade ye thence observe the hallow'd day."
How the day was observed is sufficiently obvious, from the general
nature of such solemnities, and the persons to whom this festival is
committed
The earliest Parliament of Love that bore any resemblance to that
of modern times, occurs in Roman History. The dissolute Helioga-
balus, who wished almost to be thought a woman, erected a senate-
house for those of Rome, over which his mother Saemias presided.
Her office was to dictate fashions, and to decide the quarrels of the
Roman matrons ; but, after a short presidency, she was put to death
by the soldiers, together with her son and family, A.D. 222.
The Greeks (on whom foreign manners have wrought but little
change) preserved their original meetings during the barbarism which
pervaded all countries beside ; their customs were unaltered, although
the national character which adorned them was extinct ; the nobler
attributes of their existence were no more, but the softer ones re-
mained. The youths and maidens assembled in the sacred groves, where
Priestesses, crowned with garlands of roses, sang their amatory lays
around the statue of Cupid, on an altar of Parian marble ; while all
unhallowed ideas were checked by their delicacy, or smothered by
their piety*. Nor were such ceremonies unknown in ruder climes :
in Sclavonia (where the individual Venus does not appear to have
been worshipped) the peasantry flocked to the altars of Koupalo, on
the 24th of June, to offer their annual sacrifices ; they met on an open
plain, and recited the choice hymns of their nation, dancing round
the object of their prayers, or leaping over fires kindled with that
intent. In modern Russia this usage is still preserved amongst the
lower orders, whose Koupalnista presides at the same festivities, t
The Court, or Parliament of Love, is coeval with the earliest ages
of chivalry, and forms a principal feature in its history ; but has rather
the appearance of a poetical fiction, than an authenticated reality.
Closely allied to Romance, it has been considered by some as an in-
vention of the Troubadors ; and by others as a tyrannical cognisance
of what should not have been divulged : of its existence, however,
there is no reasonable doubt ; and its voice, although unsupported by
legal power, and occasionally frivolous, cannot be regarded as unim-
portant It was an assembly for discussion and appeal, open to Poets
and Cavaliers, and should rather have been termed the Court of
* [Guyot's Hist, de la France,] apud Mareschal, vol. iv. p. 20. [See page 95.]
f De Sainir.ore, Histoire de Russie, 1797, i. 9.
The Burlesque Festivals of Former Ages. 97
Honour than of Love. In a convocation where the fair sex had the
greater weight, questions were frequently proposed, which the present
age would regard with ridicule, and which probably were viewed in
that light by the colder dispositions of the times ;* for these we offer
no apology, nor do they deserve it : — the distinctions of gallantry and
disputes of love were submitted to the court ; the causes were con-
ducted by poets, who pleaded in metrical logic ; and all decisions
were received as decrees, inviolable as those of the Medes and Persians.
The early progress made by this institution may be traced through-
out the more civilized countries of Europe ; farther, indeed, than is
necessary to pursue it. The most remote assembly, of which any
memorials are extant, was held at Troyes, by Alice, third wife of
Lewis the Young (King of France) about the year 1180, to whom a
question was submitted, which had been already decided by the
Countess of Champagne, daughter of Lewis by a former wife : the
firmness of the judge prevailed over the vanity of the queen, and no
sooner was she acquainted with the circumstances of the appeal,
than she rejected it, exclaiming, " God forbid that I should be guilty
of the arrogance, to dispute the justice of the decisions of the
Countess of Champagne :"t this determination was not without its
evil ; human decisions are liable to error, and to declare them uni-
formly irrevocable, is to fetter the rights of mankind.
Were we to place any confidence in the verses of Chaucer, this
very Court would appear the temple of Venus Basilea, distinguished
by the two attributes of Pagan worship, idolatry and licentiousness.
His lines must be read with caution, although there is too much
reason to believe that he drew from scenes familiar to his eyes. J In
the year 1355, a Parliament existed in Navarre, composed entirely of
ladies, by whom a jury was appointed to decide upon the merits of
certain compositions, produced at a "meeting of bards," said to
have been established by dementia Isaura, at the commencement of
the 1 4th century ;§ but the vague accounts of these assemblies are
superseded by that of one still more remarkable.
The Cour Amoureuse, of a comparatively recent suppression, was
instituted in 1392 by Isabella, wife of Charles VI., on the same plan
as those already mentioned, with this exception, that it consisted of
men alone. A modern Historian has boldly asserted, that the Queen
* A forcible orator of the last century, who deplored the decay of an ancient
system, because the loss of its sublimity of principle was not compensated by the
"light and reason" of modem times, speaks of its fall in these words — "The age
of Chivalry is gone — that of sophisters, ceconomists, and calculators, has succeeded
and the glory of Europe is extinguished for ever. " Burke, Letter on the French
Revolution, p. 113.
t I>e Sade, Vie de Petrarque, apud Godwin, Life of Chaucer, i. 349.
J See the " Court of Ltme " passim ; this poem alone affords a supposition that
these meetings were held in England.
§ Retrosp. Rev. iv. 44.
7
98 Social Manners and Customs.
established this order, with the idea of prolonging the imbecility of
her husband, or of diverting the minds of the people from the views
of her administration ; and that men only were admitted to its secrets,
as the agents of her intrigues, political or domestic. To the Repub-
lican enthusiasm of the author we owe these illiberal surmises : the
latter is merely speculative, and of the former we find no proof. All
that is known of this remarkable Assembly is collected from an an-
tient MS. discovered in 1727, containing the names and arms of its
members ; barren as that information is, it may be regarded as a
valuable addition to the genealogical biography of France. The
society was composed of all degrees, principally courtiers, and held
its meetings at the favourite residence of Isabella, the Palace of St.
Paul, being divided into the following classes :*
1. Knights of the Court of Love, among whom occur the antient
titles of Crouy, la Rochefoucalt, Chabannes, Ligne, Ne'elle, La Tri-
mouille, Chatillon, Prieux, Tonnerre, etc. To this distinction none
were admitted but those of noble birth.
2. Two Huntsmen of the Court of Lm>e, to whom were joined the
Keepers of the Archives, in number 188, chiefly of the rank of Es-
quires : the situation, however, was not deemed disreputable by the
first nobility ; and we are told that the Dukes of Guienne, Orleans,
and Burgundy, took their seat by the side of " Licentiates in Law,"
a condescension which would not in this age appear extraordinary.
3. Auditors to the Court of Love, among whom appear Graduates
in Divinity, Canons of Paris, Masters of Requests, and Counsellors
of Parliament.
4. Knights of Honour, or Counsellors to the Court of Love, 59
in number, all persons of good birth, including the " Grand Fal-
coner of France."
5. Fifty-two Knights, Treasurers to the Court of Love, to which
order were admitted, besides Esquires, Serjeants at Arms and Gen-
tlemen Ushers, together with a bankerf and a citizen of Tournai.
6. Fifty-seven Masters of Requests, of whom, in 1411, the Provost
of the Parisian merchants was President in the third degree. Among
the members of the class appear, officers of the Exchequer, Trea-
surers of France, and Paymasters-General, Secretaries to the King,
Canons of Paris, and Graduates in Medicine ; of these last, Guillaume
Cousinot, a physician of repute under Charles VII., occurs in the
catalogue.
7. Thirty-two Secretaries, principally selected from those about the
King, among whom were enrolled the Dukes of Bourbon and the
Earls of March.
8. Eight deputies of tJie Procurator General for the Court of Love.
* Mareschal, ubi supra.
+ The term Banker is of a much later date ; a Lombard seems to be meant
here. [See Davies's "Supplementary English Glossary" sub voce "Lombardeer."]
The Burlesque Festivals of Former Ages. 99
A Canon of Lisle, a Priest, a Vicar-General, and a Chaplain of
Tournai, are said to have filled this worthy employment at different
periods.
9. Four Keepers of the Gardens, of whom two only are expressly
mentioned ; one for the province of Bretagne, and the other for the
Bailiwick of Senlis.
10. Ten Huntsmen, of whom six acted as Gentlemen Ushers and
Serjeants at Arms.
These were the members of the Parliament of Love ; but the result
of their sittings has not been deemed worthy of record. Distinct in
its nature from the Courts of other nations, and even varying in the
different provinces of France, this institution existed till the seventeenth
century, when it appears to have been suppressed. Historians have
varied in their ideas of its character, according to the principles by
which they were actuated ; one, from his Republican bias, deprecates
the Assembly, because it was of Royal foundation ;* while another,
evincing a reverence for antient customs, and considering age as
honourable in itself, becomes the panegyrist of a cause which scarcely
deserves an advocate.
[1821, Part II., pp. 579-58'-]
The Court of Love, says one, was a foolish imitation of the dig-
nities observed at Court, in the Senate, and the Church. The female
sex, who were not forgotten in the primary institution, and whose
right it was to have an equal voice in its discussions, held no situa-
tion in this : its members assembled at stated periods, when the wits
of the time delivered their insipid pleadings, as a prelude to the
plainest amatory discourse, and for the sake of amusing this en-
lightened society. Their sittings were concluded by a dance, for the
uninitiated part of the company, and scenes of debauchery were ex-
hibited on one side of the room, while they devised conspiracies on
the other ; or, brooding over the atrocities of personal revenge, pre-
pared new horrors for the people, who, ignorant of the purpose of
these licentious mysteries, gazed with delight on the splendour of
their officers. A few virtuous citizens, disgusted with the luxury,
and suspecting the consequence of these festivities, lamented them
in privacy and silence, t
Such is the picture drawn by the decriers of this usage, but there
are others who have left a different, and more liberal description.
Thus, say they, was established, during the enlightened reign of
Charles VI., the Court or Parliament of Love. The first nobility,
as well as the princes of the blood, courted the advantages of initia-
tion ; and amongst these licentious companies Ecclesiastics of all
* lie terms this ceremony the instrument of a treacherous and libidinous Princess,
forgetting that it continued undisturbed till the seventeenth century ; a political
machine of a temporary nature could not have hung together for so long a period.
t Mareschal, IV. 20, 21.
7—2
ioo Social Manners and Customs.
denominations may be found. The functions of Advocates and
Orators were performed by Poets, and occasionally by Females ;
the Court being conducted by youthful brides or widows, in whom
beauty was less regarded as a qualification than abilities and judg-
ment ; and to every lady appertained her knight, who was bound to
treat her with attention and respect, a distinction obtained by musi-
cal skill, or the ardor of personal attachment Every Court was
governed by the Prince of Love, who claimed as a perquisite the
counters substituted for the Judges' fees ; and composed promis-
cuously of all ranks, who formed a supreme tribunal, the decrees of
which were unalterable. This Parliament, when estimated by a com-
parison with our customs, possesses an air of rigor, the more impos-
ing as it conceals the greater licentiousness ; and we are astonished
to behold the Clergy mingling in such assemblies as the Festivals of
Love, for want of transporting ourselves back to the times when
those usages were consistent with rectitude and purity of soul. In
no part of France were these tribunals held so sacred as in Pro-
vence.*
The celebrity enjoyed by the Parliament of Love, encouraged the
institution of similar societies ; for nearly all the wealthy towns in
France vied with each other in aping the manners of the palace.
Bruges set the example by establishing the Feast of Foresters;
Valenciennes, the Prince of Merriment, and of the Currycomb ;t
Cambrai, the King of Ribalds ;J Bouchain, the Provost of Hot-
heads ; Douai, of Asses ; Lisle and Tournai, the Prince of Love and
of Cuckolds ;§ Lille (near Paris) bore the palm of extravagance, for,
not contented with copying the Court of Love, she instituted two
festivals of her own, the Prince of Fools, and King of the Virginals.||
To this catalogue of uncouth titles, no account of their ceremonies
can be now subjoined ; but an idea of their character may be formed,
as we learn that they were modelled according to the temper of the
provinces where they were established. The Parliament of Love
was anterior to them all, and existed when their spirit was forgotten,
its suppression being referred to the seventeenth century. 1T
We shall conclude this account with some particulars of a cere-
mony now little known, and which may be considered as the last on
record
* Bouche, Essai sur 1'Histoire du Provence, apud Mareschal, iv. 22.
t L'Etrille.
J Ribauds- the exact sense of this word may reasonably be doubted.
§ This festival was probably similar to the Skimmington, mentioned in Hudibras,
Part ii., Canto 2. Stowe has condensed it into a few words, in his Survey of
London. " 1562. Shrove Monday, at Charing Cross, was a man carried of four
men ; and before him a bagpipe playing, a shawm, and a drum beating, and 20 men
with links burning about him. The cause was, his next neighbour's wife beat her
husband : it being so ordered, that the next should ride about the place to expose
her." Edit. Strype, i. 258.
|| Epinette. IF Mareschal, ubi supra.
T/ie Burlesque Festivals of Former Ages. 101
On the zoth of September, 1707, Augustus, Elector of Saxony,
having assembled his Court at Dresden, entertained them with an
annual diversion of shooting with steel cross-bows, at a wooden bird,
on a pole 200 feet in height : his Majesty appeared on the ground
about 1 1 o'clock a.m , the burghers of the town being under arms,
and the peasantry in their holiday clothes ; and after two hours had
elapsed, the bird being not yet demolished, he retired to a collation,
supported by the Envoys of Germany and Britain. The Envoys of
Holland and the Elector Palatine, together with the principal min-
isters of the Saxon court, were present on the occasion. The colla-
tion being ended, the company returned to their sport, and continued
till the evening, at which time, part of the bird still remaining, the
conclusion was deferred till the next day, when they assembled as
before. No less than fifty persons tried their chance, of whom his
Majesty and the Imperial Envoy shewed the greatest dexterity ; but
the substitute of the British minister brought down the last fragment
of the bird, and was in consequence saluted KING OF THE SPORTS ;
on the following day the Envoy was installed, and a poetical address
delivered by the orator appointed for this occasion, of which only the
concluding lines are extant :
" No wonder 'tis that Saxony should grace
A Briton thus — she cherishes her race."*
After this oration, the Envoy was invested with a chain of gold,
accompanied with several medals, the donation of former Kings, which
he delivered, by his Majesty's permission, to his substitute, who was
appointed Viceroy for the ensuing year : the Briton was likewise
presented with a handsome piece of plate, a pair of colours, and a
garland, in commemoration of his deputy's address ; and returned in
state to his lodgings, escorted by the royal guards, and followed by
the burghers and peasants, amongst whom, after they had saluted
him with three cheers, he distributed wine and other refreshments.
The King was in excellent spirits, and treated the conqueror " with
a very affable distinction," observing, " that an Elector, an Electress,
and an Electoral Prince of Saxony, had been his predecessors in that
dignity."!
There is a valuable passage in the works of a modern novelist
(" how one of his order came by it heaven only knows "J), which so
forcibly illustrates this subject, that we do not hesitate to ayail our-
selves of it : —
" Few readers can he ignorant, that at an early period, and during the plenitude
of her power, the Church of Rome not only connived at, but even encouraged
such saturnalian licenses .... and that the vulgar, on such occasions, were not
* "Anglum Saxoniam tantis ornare triumphis
Nil mirum, prolein diligit ilia suam."
t Gazelle, Oct. 6, 1707. t Sterne.
IO2 Social Manners and Customs.
only permitted, but encouraged, by a number of gambols, sometimes puerile and
ludicrous, sometimes immoral and profane, to indemnify themselves for the
privations and penances imposed on them at other seasons. But, of all other
topics for burlesque and ridicule, the rites and ceremonial of the Church itself
were most frequently resorted to ; and strange to say, with the approbation of the
Clergy themselves."
While the hierarchy flourished in its full glory, the Church of
Rome entertained no apprehensions of the enemy she had bred :
the Clergy, conscious of their intellectual superiority, did not so
much as suspect the laity, and permitted the representation of games
which seemed but a temporary amusement. The tendency of these
diversions was the slow, but certain alienation of the popular mind
from the established religion, nor did they commence opposition till
resistance was unavailing. " In this particular, the Catholic Clergy
were joined by most of the Reformed preachers, who were more
shocked at the profanity and immorality of many of these exhibitions,
than disposed to profit by the ridiculous light in which they placed
the Church of Rome and her observances. * But it was long ere
these scandalous and immoral sports could be abrogated ; — the rude
multitude continued attached to their favourite pastimes ; and both
in England and Scotland, the mitre of the Catholic — the rochet of
the Reformed Bishop — and the cloak and band of the Calvinistic
divine.t were, in turn, compelled to give place to these jocular per-
sonages, the Pope of Fools, the Boy-bishop, and the Abbot of Un-
reason. "J
That the " burlesque festivals " should have been tolerated in any
age, the Saturnalia being exploded, is a matter of surprise. They
merit the attention of every reader, but the result is inevitable, that
they did much toward debasing and retarding the civilization of man-
kind. Still they excite an interest in every mind ; we, in our Anti-
quarian capacity, revere them as having once existed ; the Historian
prizes them as features of the times ; and the desultory reader may
honor them, as dignified by the " Author of Waverley."
* Of this co-operation we may fairly doubt ; had either party been liberal, they
had been cordial, without which a similarity of sentiment can scarcely be said to
exist.
t It does not appear by what parody the Calvinistic divines were expressly
ridiculed.
J The Abbot, vol. i. — "From the interesting novel, entitled, Anastasius, it
seems, the same burlesque ceremonies were practised in the Greek Church." While
we are surprised that the Roman Church tolerated the abuses, we must not forget
that their immediate successors endeavoured to repress them. Grindal, Arch-
bishop of York, in his charge to that diocese, 1570, orders "that no lords of
misrule, or summer lords and ladies, or any disguised persons, morrice-dancers, or
others, should come irreverently into the Church, or play any unseemly parts with
the scoffs, jests, wanton gestures, or ribald talk, in the _time of Divine service."
— Gilpin's Life of Bernard Gilpin, p. 120.
London Pageants. 103
London Pageants.
[1824, Parti., p. 227.]
Well knowing, from the experience of a long series of years, that
the most intelligent of your numerous and valuable Correspondents
are, at all times, ready to forward the investigation of such facts as
tend to assist the researches of those who respectfully solicit such
assistance ; and having frequently, by applications similar to the
present, obtained material communications, in answer to inquiries
from myself as well as from others : — 1 now take the liberty of re-
questing from the possessors of curious Libraries, the loan, for a few
days, of any of the City PAGEANTS, or TRIUMPHS as they are styled,
on the Inauguration of the Lord Mayors of London, between the
years 1603 and 1624.
Those of which I already have copies are,
Sir Leonard Holliday, 1605.
Sir Thomas Middleton, 1613.
Sir John Jolles, 1615.
Sir William Cockayn, 1619.
I have also copies, I believe, of nearly all the " Masques at Court;"
namely, all Ben Jonson's and Daniel's; three by T. Campion, 1607,
1603, 1614; one by G. Chapman, and another by F. Beaumont, for
the Inns of Court, 1612-13; Dut have not met with that performed
on St. John's day, 1604, at the Marriage of Sir Philip Herbert
Having been favoured with a variety of Extracts from authentic
documents of several Corporations ; and of respectable Families,
whose Ancestors were honoured by visits from King James the First,
some of whom were elevated by him to the Peerage, and others
created Baronets, or graced with Knighthood ; I request such further
communications on that part of my undertaking as may yet remain
among family archives, or in the cabinets of the curious, and of such
extracts from the Records of the various Corporations which the
King visited, as may jointly illustrate the Royal Progresses, and the
History of their own City or Town. And herein I address myself
more particularly to the Authorities of the ancient City of Winchester;
which the King frequently visited, and where, in September, 1603,
the Episcopal Palace, the College, and the Deanery, were put in
requisition for the residence of the King, Queen, and nearly all the
Nobility of the Realm. I have a copy of the Speech made by Sir
John More, the Recorder of the City, on presenting to the King the
homage of his loyal subjects of Winchester, accompanied by a large
silver cup to the King, and another to the Queen. The public Trials
during that period are so well known, that no repetition of them is
now requisite.
In excuse, I will only add, that my sole wish, in this application, is
to illustrate an interesting period of English History, by the personal
IO4 Social Manners and Customs.
anecdotes of a Monarch, who has been both much over-praised, and
much too severely censured ; and at the same time to exhibit a faithful
picture of the " Sports and Pastimes " of our Ancestors at the begin-
ning of the Seventeenth Century ; — a work which is far advanced in
the compilation, and nearly one volume of it finished at the press
[see Note 1 6] ; and which, if I am happily permitted to finish, will cer-
tainly conclude the Literary Life of
J. N. (Octogenarius.)
[1824, Part II., pp. 113-118.]
Having received, amongst other kind communications in con-
sequence of my enquiry after "London Pageants," in part i. p. 227, a
suggestion that a complete List of them would be an acceptable
article to many of your Readers ; and as such a list is very imperfectly
given by the indefatigable Compiler of the "Anecdotes of British
Topography," and again, in the " Biographia Dramatica ;" I am
induced to transcribe for you the Titles of all those I have been able
to discover, from the earliest of them to the latest — formed principally
by the unwearied perseverance of my late excellent friend Mr.
Bindley ; who spared neither trouble nor expense in forming his
matchless collection, and in this department was abundantly richer
than either a Sykes or a Nassau.
In the "golden days " of Queen Elizabeth, the Titles of only three
have occurred ; the earliest of which, by George Peele, M.A. of
Oxford, in 1585, is called "The Device of the Pageant borne before
Sir Woolstone Dixi, Lord Mayor of London, Oct. 29, 1585. Im-
printed at London by Edward Allde, 1585." Black letter, 410. — The
only known copy of this was bequeathed to the Bodleian Library by
Mr. Gough. He had bought it at Dr. Farmer's sale in 1798 for
£i us. dd. It contains the following memorandum by that learned
man :
" This is probably the only copy remaining. It was given up to
me as a favour, at Mr. West's auction, for eight shillings. I have
seen a fine wooden print of Sir Wolstan at Christ's Hospital. See
Stowe, by Strype.
" R. FARMER."
This affords a curious instance of the rise of Bibliomania. What
would another copy sell for now ! It has, however, been frequently
re-printed, — in most of the early Histories of London ; in the
Harleian Miscellany [vol. x.] ; in Nichols' History of Leicestershire ;
and in the Progresses of Queen Elizabeth (new Edition, vol. ii. pp.
446—45°)-
2. The next, which has been omitted in former lists, is, " The
device of the Pageant borne before the Right Hon. Martyn Colthorpe,
Lorde Maior of the Citie of London, 29 Oct. 1588." This was
licensed to be printed by Richard Jones in that year (see Herbert's
London Pageants. 105
Ames, p. 1054). — That no copy is known to exist, may account for
its being hitherto overlooked.
3. In 1591 occurs another by George Peele, entitled, " Descensus
Astraeae ; the device of a Pageant borne before M. William Web, Lord
Maior of the Citie of London, on the day he tooke his oath, beeing
the 29 of October, 1591. Whereunto is annexed a Speech delivered
by one clad like a Sea Nymph, who presented a Finesse on the
Waters, bravely rig'd and man'd, to the Lord Maior, at the time he
tooke barge to go to Westminster. Done by G. Peele, Maister of
Arts in Oxford. Printed for William Wright," 4to. — Of this extremely
rare tract, not mentioned in the list of Peele's works in Dr. Bliss's
excellent edition of Wood's " Athens," Mr. Bindley possessed a copy,
which he believed to be unique, and which was sold at the sale of his
library, Aug. 4, 1820, to Mr. Knell for 15 guineas ! It is now in the
curious Library of Thomas Jolley, Esq. ; and re-printed in the
Harleian Miscellany. [See Note 17.]
The first year of the succeeding Reign, 1603, was unfortunately
clouded by a dreadful visitation of the plague ; insomuch that the
intended Triumphant Entry of King James through the City of
London was postponed till March 15, 1603-4 ; when it was celebrated
with the most splendid magnificence, Sir Thomas Bennet, Mercer, being
then Lord Mayor. Of the Pageants on this occasion, described by Ben
Jonson, Dekker, Harrison, and others, I have an ample store ; which
will be found, with a few illustrative notes, in my forth-coming volumes
of the " Progresses, Public Processions, City Pageants, and Masques
at Court, during the Reign of King James the First." [See Note 16.]
In 1604, Sir Thomas Lowe, Haberdasher, was Lord Mayor ; but
no printed Pageant has been discovered.
4. The first known Pageant on Lord Mayor's day in this Reign is,
" The Triumphs of re-united Britania ; performed at the cost and
charges of the Right Worshipful Company of the Merchant Taylors,
in honor of Sir Leonard Holliday, Knight, to solemnize his entrance
as Lorde Mayor of the Citty of London, on Tuesday the 2gth of
October, 1605. Devised and written by A. Mundy, Cittizen and
Draper of London. Printed at London, by W. Jaggard," 410.— The
only copy I can trace of this Pageant is one in the Bodleian Library,
bequeathed to that rich Repository by Mr. Gough. — A copy of it will
be found in my first volume of King James's Progresses. [See Note 18.]
In 1606, Sir John Watts, Clothworker, was Lord Mayor. This
worthy Citizen had the honour of entertaining the King at the Hall
of his Company, on the I2th of June, 1607 ; with which his Majesty
was so well pleased, that in the next month he dined with the
Merchant Taylors. An account of both these Festivals will be found
in my forthcoming volumes.
July 31, 1606, the King, accompanied by the King of Denmark,
again passed in solemn procession through the City of London ; and
io6 Social Manners and Customs.
was greeted by the Recorder in the name of the Citizens, by an
elegant Latin Oration. On this occasion the several Livery Companies
attended in their stands. Roberts's two tracts, the " Entertainment "
and " Farewell to the King of Denmark," I shall reprint.
In 1607, the Lord Mayor was Sir Henry Rowe,* Mercer ; in 1608
Sir Humphrey Weld, Grocer; in 1609 Sir Thomas Cambell, Iron-
monger ; in 1 6 10 Sir William Craven, Merchant Taylor. — No Pageant
has hitherto been discovered of either of these years ; should any
such exist, the communication of them would therefore be the more
welcome. [See Note 19.]
5. We now have the Titles of .Pageants of seven successive years.
That of 1611, is entitled, " Chryso-thriambos : the Triumphes of
Golde ; at the Inauguration of Sir James Pemberton, Knight, in the
Dignity of Lord Maior of London, on Tuesday the 2 9th of October,
1611 ; performed in the harty love, and at the charges of the right
worshipfull, worthy, and ancient Company of Goldesmithes. Devised
and written by A[nthonyJ M[unday] Citizen and Draper of London."
Printed by William Jaggard, Printer to the City, 410. — Of this Mr.
Bindley had a copy, which was sold Dec. 18, 1818, to Mr. Heber,
for £L
6. The Pageant of 1612 was by Dekker, called "Troia Nova Tri-
umphans ; London Triumphing, on the solemne receiving Sir John
Swinnerton, Knt., into the City of London," 410. Sir John was a
Merchant Taylor. — Of this, Mr. Bindley had not a copy : but one,
which Mr. Garrick possessed, was sold April 24, 1823, bound with
the Pageants of 1626, 1631, 1679, and 1691, and other tracts, to Mr.
Thorpe, for 40 guineas. [See Note 20.]
On the 3151 of December, 1613, the King, by his Knight Marshal
Sir Thomas Vavasor, informed the Lord Mayor, that on the Tuesday
following, it was his Royal pleasure, attended by his whole Court, to
sup with his Lordship in the City. On this occasion "the Lord
Mayor's House being not held spacious enough to receive so great a
Trayne," it was ordered, by the Court of Aldermen, " that Merchant
Taylors' Hall should be prepared and made ready against that night,
for the solemnity ; and an especial invitation was sent to the Earl of
Somerset and his Countess, who had been married in the preceding
week."
7. The Pageant of 1 6 1 3 was " The Triumphs of Truth ; a Solemnity
unparaleld for Cost, Art, and Magnificence, at the Confirmation and
Establishment of that worthy and true nobly minded gentleman Sir
Thomas Middleton, Knight, in the honourable office of his Majestie's
Lieuetenant, the Lord Maior of the thrice famous Citty of London.
Taking beginning at his Lordship's going, and proceeding after his
returne from receiving the Oath of Maioralty at Westminster, on the
morrow next after Simon and Jude's Day, October 29, 1613. All
* I have the Recorder's Speech on presenting him to the King.
London Pageants. 107
the Showes, Pageants, Chariots, Morning, Noone, and Night-
Triumphes, directed, written, and redeem'd into Forme, from the
ignorance of some former Times, and their common Writer,* by
Thomas Middleton." [See Note 21.]
There was another Edition, with the following addition in the
Title-page, "Shewing also his Lordship's Entertainement upon
Michaelmas Day last, being the Day of his Election, at that most
famous and admired Worke of the Running Streame, from Amwell
Head into the Cesterne at Islington ; being the sole cost, industry,
and invention of the worthy Mr. Hugh Middleton of London, Gold-
smith. London, printed by Nicholas Okes, 1613," 410. — Sir Thomas
was a Grocer.— Mr. Bindley's copy (I know not of which Edition)
was sold Feb. 17, 1819, to Mr. Triphook for £6. Mr. Garrick's,
bound with the Pageant of 1661, and other rare tracts, was sold
April 24, 1823, to Messrs. Hurst and Co. for 40 guineas. — Mr.
Nassau's, sold March 8, 1824, was purchased by Mr. Thorpe for
.£8 8s. — A copy in the possession of Mr. Jolley, and Mr. Cough's in
the Bodleian Library, contain the full Title of the second Edition,
but nothing more respecting the Entertainment at the New River
Head. — As my transcript from the latter is (I presume from the Title-
page,) imperfect, I should be grateful for a sight of a perfect copy.
8. In 1614, the old Draper, Anthony Munday, was again brought
forward in " Triumphs of Olde Draperie ; or the Rich Clothing of
England ; at the Charge of the Right Worshipfull the Company of
Drapers, at the Installation of Sir Thomas Hayes. By A. Munday,"
4to. — Of this I have in vain endeavoured to trace a copy; and
should be greatly obliged to any Friend who would assist me in my
search. [See Note 22.]
9. The next Lord Mayor was also a Draper ; and Anthony Munday
was again employed. The title of this year's Pageant is " Metropolis
Coronata ; the Triumphes of Ancient Drapery, or Rich Cloathing of
England : in a second yeeres performance ; in honour of the advance-
ment of Sir John Jolles, Knight, to the high office of Lord Maior of
London, and taking his oath for the same authoritie, on Monday
being the 30 day of October, 1615 : performed in heartie affection to
him, and at the bountifull charges of his worthie brethren the truly
* This was Anthony Munday, whom he thus attacks in his introduction. After
observing that all things should be " correspondent to the generous and noble
Ireenesse of cost and liberality " of the Citizens ; "the streames of Art to aequall
those of Bounty, a Knowledge that may take the true height of such a Solemnity ;"
his jealousy prompts him to add, " the miserable want of both which, in the
impudent common Writer, hath often forc'd from me much pitty and sorrow ; and
it would hertily grieve any understanding spirit to behold many times so glorious a
fire in bounty and goodnesse offering to match it selfe with freezing art, sitting in
darknesse, with the candle out, looking like the picture of Blacke Monday I" — This
virulent attack appears to have experienced no greater attention than such violence
deserved, since Munday was employed in the three following years.
io8 Social Manners and Cusioms.
honourable Society-of Drapers ; the first that received such dignitie in
this Citie. Devised and written by A. M., Citizen and Draper of
London," 410. — Mr. Bindley's Copy of this rare Pageant, was bought
by Mr. Knell, Aug. 6, 1820, for^y 17^-. 6d. I — The Bodleian Library
contains another copy, of which I have a transcript. — A third is in
the collection of Mr. Jolley. [See Note 23.]
10. The same Author was the next year employed for a Fish-
monger, and this is his last appearance. The Title of the Pageant in
1616 is, " Chrysanaleia, the Golden Fishing; or Honours of Fish-
mongers : applauding the Advancement of Mr. John Leman, Alder-
man, to the dignity of Lord Maior of London ; taking his oath in
the same authority at Westminster, on Tuesday, being the 29 day of
October, 1616 ; performed in hearty love to him, and at the charges
of his worthy brethren the ancient and right-worshipful Company of
Fishmongers. Devised and written by A. M., Citizen and Draper of
London. Printed at London, by George Purslowe, 1615," 410. — Mr.
Bindley's copy of this " very scarce " tract was sold on the same day,
and to the same Purchaser, as the last ; and for only half-a-guinea
less than the same sum. — A copy was possessed by Mr. Garrick, and
sold, May 3, 1823, bound up with Dekker's Entertainment in 1603,
Roberts's Farewell to the King of Denmark, 1606, and other tracts,
to Mr. Thorpe, for £20. — By favour of Mr. Jolley, I have a transcript,
from a copy in his possession. [See Note 24.]
11. The Pageant of 1617 is not mentioned in the Biographia
Dramatica; but from the catalogue of Mr. Garrick's sale, we learn
that it was "Triumphs of Honour and Industry, by T[homas]
M[iddleton]." Sir George Bolles, Grocer, was Lord Mayor.— The
volume containing this Pageant (with several other curious tracts),
was purchased May 3, 1823, by Mr. Thorpe, for ^48 i6s. 6d.
In 1618 Sir Sebastian Harvey, Ironmonger, was Lord Mayor. No
Pageant for this year has been discovered. [See Note 25.}
On the King's recovery after an illness, and going to Whitehall on
the ist of June, 1619, the Court of Aldermen resolved, "that the
Recorder and Aldermen (the Lord Mayor being ill), with the Town
Clerk, Common Sergeant, four Esquires of the Lord Mayor's House-
hold, and 140 of the chief persons of the Twelve Principal Companies*
being well horsed, with velvet coats and chains of gold, should go to
* Till the middle of the eighteenth century, it was considered as an indispensable
duty of an Alderman belonging to any other Company to be translated into one of the
Twelve before he entered into the o'ffice of Lord Mayor. Thus, in 1677, Sir John
Davis was translated from the Stationers to the Drapers ; and in 1732 Alderman
Barber from the Stationers to the Goldsmiths. In 1755 Alderman Janssen was the
first who filled that high office as a Stationer ; and since his time Five other
Aldermen— Wright in 1785; Gill in 1788; Boydell in 1790; Domville in 1814;
and Magnay in 1822.— Of Stationers who have served the office of Sheriff, or have
paid the usual fine of exemption from the honour, the List is considerable. One
member of the Company (G. B. Whittaker, Esq.) is now Sheriff; one Alderman
is Sheriff Elect ; another Alderman and two Commoners are in nomination.
London Pageants. 109
Grays' Inn-fields, and from thence attend his Majesty to his Palace at
Whitehall."
12. The Pageant of 1619 bears the following Title: "The
Triumphs of Love and Antiquity ; an honourable Solemnitie, per-
formed through the Citie at the confirmation and establishment of
the Right Hon. Sir William Cockayn,* Knt., in the office of his
Majestie's Lieutenant, the Lord Maior of the famous Citie of London,
taking beginning in the morning at his Lordship's going, and perfect-
ing it selfe after his returne from receiving the oath of Maioralty at
Westminster, on the morrow after Simon and Jude's day, Oct. 29,
1619. By Thomas Middleton, Gent. London, printed by Nicholas
Okes, 1619," 410. — This was at the expense of the Skinner's Company.
Mr. Bindley's copy was sold, Aug. 2, 1820, to W. B. Rhodes, Esq., of
Lyon's Inn, for jfi. I have a transcript from Mr. Cough's copy in
the Bodleian. [See Note 26.]
" March 26, 1620, the King made a procession with mighty pomp
from the Palace of Westminster to St. Paul's, accompanied with the
Bishops and Peers of the Realm. At Temple-bar the Lord Mayor
and Aldermen received him. Robert Heath, Recorder, congratulates
his entrance into the City. From thence to the North side, the
several Companies of Citizens stood within the rails, all in order,
with their ensigns and standards as far as St. Paul's ; tapestry hang-
ings all the while hanging out of the windows."
13. The Pageant of 1620 was, " TJJ; E/gitni; Tgopaia ; or the
Tryumphs of Peace, that celebrated the Solemnity of the Right
Honourable Sir Francis Jones, Knight, at his Inauguration into the
Maioraltie of London, on Monday, being the 30 of October, 1620 ;
at the particular cost and charge of the right worshipfull and ancient
Society of the Haberdashers ; with explication of the severall Shewes
and Devices, by J[ohn] S[quire], 410. Mr. Bindley's copy was
knocked down to Mr. Knell, the day he carried off in triumph the
other Triumphs before mentioned, at the price of ^5 5*. — It is now
in the Library of Mr. Jolley, and I am favoured with a transcript
14. The Pageant of 1621 was "The Sun in Aries; a noble
Solemnity performed through the Citie, at the sole cost and charges
of the honourable and ancient Fraternity of Drapers, at the confirma-
tion and establishment of their most worthy Brother, the Right
Honourable Edward Barkham, in the high office of his Majesty's
Lieutenant, the Lord Mayor of the famous City of London, Oct 29,
1621. By Thomas Middleton,"+ 410. I have not been able to trace
any copy of this. [See Note 27.]
* June 8, 1616, the King dined " at Alderman Cockayn's house in London,"
and dubbed him a Knight ; and in July 1619, his Majesty again visited Sir William,
then Lord Mayor, for the express purpose of negotiating a marriage between his
Lordship's Daughter and Sir John Villiers.
t He was Author of another Pageant in 1626, and in that year was made
"Cronologer to the City.'' He is supposed to have died soon after.
no Social Manners and Customs.
No Pageant has appeared for the two following years. In 1622 the
Lord Mayor was Sir Peter Proby, Grocer; in 1623 Sir M. Lumley,
Draper. [See Note 28.]
15. The next (and last in James's Reign) is that of 1624 : "The
Monument of Honour, at the confirmation of the right worthy
Brother, John Goare, in his high office of his Majesty's Lieutenant over
his royal Chamber, at the charge and expense of the right worthy and
worshipfull Fraternity of eminent Merchant Taylors. Invented and
written by John Webster, Taylor," 410. — I know not whether any copy
of this is in existence.
It will be found, on reference to the Biographia Dramatica, that,
though I have added in this first portion of my List two City Pageants
hitherto overlooked, I have withdrawn from the List four others. —
The first of these, " Polyhymnia " (the second in the List), for this
reason ; it is certainly no City Pageant, being, as the title describes it,
" A Triumph at Tylt before her Majestic," and probably similar (as
the title "Polyhymnia" also infers) to "A newe Ballad of the
honourable order of running at Tilt at Whitehall, the i yth of November,
in the 38th year of her Majestie's Reign " (1595).
Secondly, Dekker's " Magnificent Entertainment given to King
James, and Queene Anne his Wife, and Henry Frederick the Prince,
upon the day of his Majestie's Triumphant Passage (from the Tower)
through his honourable Citie (and Chamber) of London, being the
1 5th of March, 1603, 410.," etc, is not, strictly speaking, a " London
Pageant," though, being highly creditable to the King and to his
loyal Citizens, it will form part of the Monarch's " Progresses and
Public Processions."
Two others are not relative to the Inauguration of the Lord Mayor,
though otherwise London Pageants, being accounts of the entertain-
ments the City gave in 1610 and 1616, to the two succeeding Princes,
Henry and Charles. The second I intend to reprint, and the first
also, if I can obtain a copy of it
For the Title of the first, " London's Love to the Royal Prince
Henry," it may be sufficient to refer to vol. Ixxviii., p. 38, where an
account is given of a copy found in Exeter Cathedral. Mr. Bindley's
copy was bought, Jan. 23, 1819, by Mr. Sturt, for ^6. [See Note 29.]
Prince Charles's Entertainment* was " Civitatis Amor ; the Citie's
Love ; an Entertainement by water at Chelsey and Whitehall, at the
joyfull receiving of that illustrious Hope of Great Britaine, the high
and mighty Charles, to bee created Prince of Wales, Duke of Corne-
wall, Earl of Chester, etc. Together with the ample order and
* This was preceded by " Chester's Triumph in honor of her Prince, as it was
performed on St. George's Day, 1610, in the fore-said Citie, London. Printed for
J. B. and are to be sold in St. Dunstane's Churchyard in Fleete-streete, 1610." By
favour of Mr. Khodes, who possesses the only Original I have met with, I have a
transcript, and shall re-print it. [See Note 30.]
London Pageants, 1 1 1
solemnity of his Highnesse' Creation, as it was celebrated in his
Majestie's Palace of Whitehall on Monday, the fourth of November,
1616. As also the Ceremonies of that ancient and honourable
Order of the Knights of the Bath ; and all the Triumphs showne in
honour of his Royal Creation. London, printed by Nicholas Okes
for Thomas Archer, and are to be sold at his shop in Pope's-head-
pallace, 1616." Mr. Bindley had no copy of this. One is possessed
by Mr. Rhodes, from which I have a transcript. A copy, with a fine
portrait of the Prince by Delaram inserted, is marked ^8 8s. in Mr.
Thorpe's Catalogue for 1824. [See Note 31.]
Some "London Pageants," and among them a few at present un-
known, may still remain in the Archives of what are usually styled
" the Twelve Companies ;" from which alone, in former times, the
Lord Mayor of London was selected — the Haberdashers, Merchant
Taylors, Mercers, Grocers, Drapers, Fishmongers, Goldsmiths,
Skinners, Salters, Ironmongers, and Clothworkers. In the 22 years
of King James's Reign, the Merchant Taylors, Drapers, and Grocers,
had each four Lord Mayors ; the Haberdashers, Mercers, and Iron-
mongers, two ; the Fishmongers, Skinners, Goldsmiths, and Cloth-
workers, one ; the Salters and Vintners none.
In each of these respectable Corporate Bodies, I trust, I have some
Personal Friends, who are both able and willing to assist my disin-
terested inquiries on a subject so highly honourable to their Prede-
cessors. From my Brethren of the Stationers' Company, in which I
consider every individual to be my Friend, I have always experienced
all possible facilities in my researches. And I am proud to observe
that the Stationers in modern times (see p. 108) have seen Six of
their Members adorning the office of Chief Magistrate ; and three
others (Venables, Key, and Crowder) within a short distance from the
Civic Chair.
As the chief motive to my enquiry after these hidden treasures
arises from a wish to perform an acceptable service to Literature, and
not from any pecuniary prospect (for the limited number to be printed
of such works precludes even the hope of remuneration) ; I flatter
myself that after this appeal to the liberal possessors of these rare
tracts, they will not be displeased to permit a transcript to be made
from them, as it will no way lessen the real value of their Editio
Princeps.
My publication extends no farther than the Death of King James in
1624-5 > but, in subsequent Letters, I will furnish as good a List as I
can form of " London Pageants," to the period of their discon-
tinuance. [See Note 32.]
Grateful for the favours which through a long life I have received
from many of the most distinguished Literary Characters, I am Mr.
Urban's old Associate,
J. NICHOLS.
1 1 2 Social Manners and Customs.
[1824, Part //., //. 411-414.]
THE REIGN OF KING CHARLES THE FIRST.
I now proceed to fulfil the promise which I made in p. in, by
forwarding to you a List of London Pageants in the Reign of King
Charles I.
But, to recur to my last communication, I am not without hopes
of discovering a Pageant for the year 1610; for I think one must
have been published, since Howes describes that year's Civic Triumphs
as "extraordinary." Christianus, Prince of Anhalt, was a witness to
them ; " he survayed the City of London with great pleasure and
admiration, and behelde the pleasant Triumphs upon the water and
within the Cittie, which at this time were extraordinary in honour of
the Lord Mayor and Cittizens ; and that day this Prince, with all his
Germayne Trayne, were entertained at the Lord Mayor's Feast, in
the Guildhall, where he manifested his former admiration, touching
the greatnesse, scituation, and wealth of the Cittie, and there he ob-
served and admired the goodly uniforme order and riche habile of
the Cittizens, and sayd there was no State nor Cittie in the world
that did elect their Magistrates with such magnificence, except the
Cittie of Venice, unto which the Cittie of London commeth very
neere !" [See Nichols's Progresses of James I., ii. 370.]
Though I have not yet obtained the Pageants of 1611 and 1612
(which are known to exist), yet both from Howes and Mr. Chamber-
lain's unpublished Letters in the British Museum, I find those of the
latter year were more than usually expensive for the entertainment of
the Palsgrave, then lately arrived in England to pay his Court to the
Princess Elizabeth. The latter authority gives a curious account of the
Lord Mayor's day, for which, not to trespass too far on your pages, I will
refer to the forthcoming "Progresses of King James." [ii. 466-467.]
My accurate and much-valued Friend " Eu. H." has supplied the
following as the full title of the Pageant for 1617, referred to at
page 108. — " The Triumphs of Honor and Industry. A solemnity
performed through the City, at Confirmation and Establishment of
the Right Honorable George Bowles, in the office of his Maiesties
Lieuetenant, the Lord Mayor of the famous Citty of London. Taking
beginning at his Lordship's going, and proceeding after his returne
from receiuing the Oath of Maioralty at Westminster on the morrow
next after Simon and lude's day, October 29, 1617. London, printed
by Nicholas Okes, 1617," 410. At the end of the Dedication is
" T. M." for Thomas Middleton.
What is still more to my purpose, a second copy of " London's
Love to Prince Henry," noticed in p. no, is in the library of Francis
Freeling, Esq., by whose favour, after a long search, I have obtained
a transcript ; and I now have the pleasure of returning him thanks
for his very prompt and liberal loan of it.
London Pageants. 1 1 3
A second copy of "Chester's Triumph," mentioned in p. no,
is among the many precious gems presented by Mr. Gough to the
Bodleian Library, accompanied (if I mistake not) by a third Copy
of " London's Love."
On the 1 6th of June, 1613, was entered at Stationers' Hall, "a
Thing called ' The Shepherd's Songe before Queen Anne, in 4 parts
complete musical, upon the Playnes of Salisbury,'" and by Sir John
Hawkins in his History of Music, and Dr. Whitaker in his History
of Craven, are mentioned " The Ayres that were sung and played
at Brougham-Castle, in Westmorland, in the King's Entertainment ;
given by the Right Honorable the Earle of Cumberland, and his
Right Noble Sonne the Lord Clifford. Composed by Mr. George
Mason and Mr. John Earsden. London, printed by Thomas Snod-
ham, cum privilegio, 1688," fol. I should feel much indebted to
any one who could assist me to either of these.
Sir Allen Cotton, Draper, commenced his Mayoralty, Oct. 29,
1625, but no trace appears in print of any Pageant
The Coronation of Charles I. took place on Candlemas-day, Feb. 2,
1625-6, but the usual riding in state through the City was omitted on
account of the expense.
1 6. The Pageant of 1626 was " The Triumph of Health and Pros-
perity, at the Inauguration of the most worthy brother, the Right
Hon. Culhbert Hasket, Draper. Composed by Thomas Middleton,
Draper, 1626," 410. Mr. Garrick had a copy of this, bound with
that of 1612 ; see p. 106.
In 1627 Sir Hugh Hammersley, Haberdasher, was Lord Mayor;
in 1628 Sir Richard Dean, Skinner; in 1629 Sir James Campbell,
Ironmonger; in 1630 Sir Robert Ducy, Merchant Taylor; but no
Pageant appears for these four years. [See Note 33.]
17. That of 1631 was, "London's Jus Honorarium, exprest in
sundry Triumphs, Pagiants, and Shews, at the initiation or entrance
of the Right Honourable George Whitmore into the Maioralty of the
famous and farre renouned City of London ; all the charge and
expense of the laborious proiects and obiects .both by Water and
Land, being the sole vndertaking of the Right Worshipful the Society
of Habburdashers. By Thomas Heywood," 1631, 410. A copy of
this is in Mr. Cough's collection at the Bodleian Library.
1 8. Hey wood was the next year a second time brought forward in
" Londini Artium et Scientiarium Scaturigo ; or London's Fountain
of Arts and Sciences ; exprest in sundrie Triumphs, Pageants, and
Showes, at the initiation of the R. H. Nich. Raynton* into the
Maiorty of the famous and far-renowned City of London. All the
* Whose monument at Enfield is engraved and described in Gent. May;.
Vol. XCIII.ii. 209.
8
1 1 4 Social Manners and Customs.
charge and expense of the laborious projects, both by water and
land, being the sole undertaking and charge of the Right Worsliipfull
Company of the Haberdashers; written by Tho. Haywood," 1632,
4to.*
19. In 1633 appeared "London Imp.; or London Mercator, ex-
plained in sundry Triumphs, Pageants, and Shows, at the inaugura-
tion of the Right Hon. Ralph Freeman, at the charges of the Right
Worshipful Company of Clothiers. By T. Haywood, 1633," 4to.
About the loth of January, 1633-4, Sir Ralph Freeman invited
the King, Queen, and the Masquers of the four principal Inns of
Court to a Banquet, " who, clothed in rich and glorious apparel,
attended in a most solemn ami splendid parade from the Court to
Merchant Taylors' Hall, where they continued in their sports until it
was almost morning. Then the Lord Mayor entertained the King
and Queen, the Lords and Ladies, and the Masquers, and the Inns of
Court Gentlemen with a noble and stately Banquet." Chauncy gives
a circumstantial account of the Procession, etc, in his account of
Aspeden, the seat of the Freemans, Hist, of Hertfordshire, p. 122.
Sir Ralph Freeman died during his Mayoralty ; and was succeeded
by Sir Thomas Motilson ; but no Pageant of his appears in print, f
20. In 1634, Taylor, the Water Poet, was, apparently for the only
time, employed as the City Bard. His production is entitled :
" Triumphs of Fame and Honour ; at the inauguration of [Sir]
Robert Parkhurst, Clothworker. Compiled by John Taylor, the
Water Poet." 1634.
21. In 1635 \vas "Londini Sinus Salutis, or London's Harbour of
Health and Happiness. Expressed in sundry Triumphs, Pageants,
and Showes ; at the initiation of the Right Honorable Christopher
Clethrowe, into the Maioralty of the farre renowned City London.
All the charges and expences of this present Ovation, being the sole
undertaking of the Right Worshipfull Company of the Ironmongers.
* " At the end of this Pageant is a panegyric on Maister Gerard Christinas, for
bringing the Pageants and figures to such great perfection both in symmetry and
substance, being before but unshapen monsters, made only of slight wicker and
paper. This man designed Aldersgate, and carved the equestrian statue of James
I. there, and the old peice of Northumberland House. His sons, John and
Mathias, carved the great ship built at Woolwich in 1637." — Gougli's British
Topography.
f From the dates of the following Pageants, the list of Lord Mayors, as given
by Heylyn, Seymour, Maitland, etc., is evidently incorrect as to the dates of their
election from the year 1633 to the present time. The error lias arisen from
making Sir Thomas Moulson continue Lord Mayor during the year 1634-5, whilst
the truth is, that he was in office for a few months only after Sir Ralph Freeman's
death in 1634, and that Sir Robert Parkhurst succeeded him, Oct. 29, that
year. — No Pageant appears for 1641, but some Poems were published, entiiled
"Epicedia in obitum octo senatorum Londinensium, duonun eqiiilum exproioruin,
et sex armigerorum. Item Panegyricum Inaugurate Protons Londoni, Cantabr.
1641," 8vo.
London Pageants. 1 1 5
The 29th of October, anno salutis, 1635. Written by Thomas Hey-
wood."
In 1636, Sir Edward Bromfield, Fishmonger, was Lord Mayor ;
but no Pageant for that year has been discovered.
22. In 1637 was published " Londini Speculum; or London's
Mirror ; exprest in sundry Triumphs, Pageants, and Showes, at the
initiation of the Right Hon. Richard Fenn,* into the Mairolty of
the famous and farre-renowned City London. All the charge and
expense of these laborious projects, both by water and land, being'
the sole undertaking of the Right Worshipful Company of the Hab-
berdashers. Written by Thomas Heywood, 1637," 410. A copy is
among Mr. Cough's collection in the Bodleian Library, and another
was bought at Mr. Bindley's sale, Jan. 21, 1819, by Mr. Rhodes
for £\ 4*.
23. The following year produced " Porta Pietatis ; or the Port or
Harbour of Piety, exprest in sundry Triumphes, Pageants, and
Shewes, at the initiation of the Right Hon. Sir Maurice Abbot,
Knight, into the Mayoralty of the famous and farre-renowned City
London. All the charge and expense of the laborious projects, both
by water and land, being the sole undertaking of the Right Worship-
full Company of Drapers. By Thomas Heywood, 1638," 410. — For
the title of this Pageant, not mentioned in the " Biog. Dramatica," I
am obliged to " Eu. H." [See Note 34.]
24. Next followed " Londini Status Pacatus, or London's Peaceable
Estate : exprest in sundry Triumphs, Pageants, and Shewes, at the
innitiation of the Right Honourable Henry Garway into the Majoralty
of the famous and farre-famed City London. All the charge and
expense of the laborious projects, both by water and land, being the
sole undertakings of the Right Worshipfull Society of Drapers.
Written by Thomas Heywood, 1639," 410. A copy is among Mr.
Cough's collection in the Bodleian Library, and a second was bought
by Mr Heber for^i is. at Mr. Bindley's sale, Jan. 21, 1819. This
appears to have been the last Pageant in Charles's reign. [See
Note 35.]
In 1640 Sir William Acton, Knt. and Bart., was Lord Mayor, and
was discharged by the House of Commons, and Sir Edmund Wright,
Grocer, constituted in his place, who only served until Oct 29, 1641,
when Sir Richard Gurney, Knt, Clothworker, was elected to the Civic
Chair ; and though no Pageant was exhibited on his account, he
assisted in an important Triumph. On the King's return from Scot-
land, he made a triumphant entry into London, and passed through
the City to Whitehall, being entertained at Guildhall on his way.
* There was also published "Panegyr. Inaug. Majoris Lomlin. Richard Fenn,
et Toema de celeberrimii Trinobantiados Augusta; civitate : authore Ec!w. Ben-
lowes, 1637," 8vo.
8—2
1 1 6 Social Manners and Customs.
The following Tracts were published on this occasion; of the three
first there are copies in the collection of Francis Freeling, Esq. —
1. "King Charles his Entertainment, and London's Loyaltie, being
a true relation and description of the manner of the Cittie's Welcome,
and expression of the subjects' love to his Royall Majestic, at his
return from Scotland. Likewise the time and place where the Lord
Major and his brethren the Aldermen of this glorious Citie, with the
rest of the Companies, meet and conduct his Royall Majestic to the
Guildhall to a stately Feast And afterwards to his Pallace at West-
minster, there to solace himself. Likewise a. copie of Verses con-
gratulating the King's Return. By J. H. God save the King !
London ; printed for John Greensmith, 1641," 410. pp. 6. At page 5
of this curious Tract is "A Precept from the Lord Major to the
severall Companies touching the Entertainment of his Royall
Majestic." A second copy of this is in the British Museum.* —
2. " England's Comfort, and London's Joy : expressed in the Royall,
Triumphant, and Magnificent Entertainment of our dread Soveraigne
Lord, King Charles, at his blessed and safe returne from Scotland,
on Thursday the 251*1 of November, 1641, by the Right Honourable
Sir Richard Gurney, Knt., Lord Major and the Recorder Sir Thomas
Gardner, who were at that present both knighted, who attended his
Majesty with the other right worshipfull Knights and Aldermen,
Sheriffes and Companies of this famous City of London : together
with the manner and forme how the state was to be observed and
performed by the severall companies on horsebacke and foot, for the
conducting of his Majesty, the Queene, the Prince, and all the Royall
Progeny to the Guildhall, London, to dinner, and from thence to his
Majesties Palace at Whitehall : also the severall Speeches, and other
Verses presented to his sacred person at that time, 1641," 410. pp. 8.
In the title is a wood-cut of the King on horseback, and there are
also three others of the procession. This rare tract (probably by
John Taylor) had two editions published before and after the day.
Mr. Freeling's copy is of the former ; one in the Althorpe Library, of
the latter description. The title above is that of the latter; by com-
paring with Moule, some variations will be found in the title. — 3.
" Five Speeches spoken to his Majesty returning out of Scotland, with
the description of what Honorable Triumphs his Majesty did ride in
London, 1641," 410. — 4. " Ovatio Carolina; the Triumph of King
Charles ; or the triumphant manner and order of receiving his Majesty
into his City of London, Thursday 25th November, A.D. 1641 ; upon
his return safe and happy from Scotland," 1641, 410. Of this Mr.
Gough's copy is in the Bodleian. It is inserted as a London Pageant
in the Biographia Dramatica, but has less of the character of a
Pageant than the two first mentioned.
* It is very strange that not a single Lord Mayor's Pageant is to be fuuml in
this otherwise well-stored National Library. [See Note 36.]
London Pageants. \ 1 7
A long account of the Entertainment is to be found in Maitland's
London. It appears by another Tract mentioned by Mr. Moule,
" The King's most gracious Speech," etc. (of which also Mr. Freeling
possesses a copy) that the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, etc., soon after in
return received "a Royall Invitation from both their Majesties to
feast with them at Hampton Court." And in less than a month,
Dec. 14, 1641, Sir Richard Gurney was created a Baronet. Such a
state of things did \ot last long ; for this highly favoured Lord Mayor
was soon after discharged by Parliament ; and the fickleness of the
Citizens was immortalized by " London's Love, or the Entertaine-
nient of the Parliament; being a true description of the great and
generous Welcome given to the Houses of Lords and Commons on
the i gth day of Jan. at Grocers' Hall, 1641 [-2], by divers Citizens of
good quality. Wherein is declared the great and manifold expres-
sions of Love twixt the Lords and Commons. Likewise the Citie's
Protestation both to the King and Parliament, concerning their loyall
affections and unexpressable loves. London. Printed for John
Thomas, 1641," 410. 8 pp. This gives an account of a Dinner to
the Lords and Commons at Grocers' Hall ; afterwards to their at-
tendants, and to Capt. Langham and his Company, who guarded
both Houses. The Lords and Commons were attended by almost
150 Citizens who had fined for Sheriff, Common-Councilmen,
Merchants, and Tradesmen. A copy of this is among the King's
Pamphlets in the British Museum [press mark — \--]. The Chief
Magistrate who succeeded was Sir Isaac Pennington, who, in his turn,
was displaced as an Alderman at the Restoration ; and, moreover,
convicted of High Treason for the Murder of King Charles. He
died a prisoner in the Tower.
The London Pageants shared the fate of more important institu-
tions at this troublesome period, and were discontinued for about
fifteen years ; but they were resumed, before the Restoration, in 1655;
with which my next communication shall commence.
[1824, Part II., pp. 514-518-]
Before proceeding with my List of Pageants, I must correct a note
in p. 1 1 6. It was not without some search in the Catalogues, that I
asserted that no City Pageant was to be found in the British Museum ;
but further inquiry has informed me that the National Library con-
tains the Pageants for 1613 (the first edition, with the shorter title-
page), 1619 (in the Garrick Collection of Plays, i. xxii.), 1655, 1661,
1672, 1675, a fragment of that of 1676, 1677, 1678, 1679, 1681 (also
incomplete), 1686, 1689, and 1691. The last ten are bound in one
volume, and are perhaps a new acquisition, not being entered in the
Catalogue. [See Note 36.] — The Library at Longleat, I understand,
contains several Triumphs and Masques, and among them the
1 1 8 Social Manners and Customs.
Pageant of 1616.— A second copy of the Pageant of 1631 appeared
at Mr. Garrick's sale, bound up with that of 1612 ; see p. 106.
After a lapse of about fifteen years, as noticed in my last Letter,
the City Pageants were resumed with
25. " Charity Triumphant ; or the Virgin Shew ; exhibited on the
29th of October, 1655, being the Lord Mayor's Day. [By Edm.
Gayton.] London, printed for Nath. Brooks, at the Angel in Corn-
hill, pp. 8, 1655," 410. The Lord Mayor was John Dethick,* Mercer,
one of the Aldermen ejected on the Restoration. This is not, how-
ever, a description of the Shew, as the title might infer, but a letter to
the Lord Mayor and a poem on the Pageants this year again produced.
Its claims for insertion in the present List are consequently small It
is probable that the Author was ambitious of the post of City Poet (to
which he did not succeed). In his preface he very reasonably says ;
" I cannot here set forth the reason of the late extinguishing these
Civic Lights, and suppressing the genius of our Metropolis, which for
these planetary Pageants, and Pretorian Pomps, was as famous and
renowned in foreign nations, as for their [its] faith, wealth, and valour.
The ingenie, artifices, mysteries, shewes, festivals, ceremonies, and
habits of a State, being amongst the decora and inseparable ornaments
of it Take away the fasces, and the Consuls are no more feared, but
scorned ; let fall the noble sword of the City in any place, and you
are sure the Mayor has there no privilege ; no livery, no distinguish-
ing of Societies and Fraternities ; no caps (as in daies of old), no
Prentices ; no truncks, no Citizens ; no robes, no Judges ; no maces,
no Magistrates : and as for Anniversary Shews, and harmlesse and
merry recreations, without a moderate permission of them, very little
content to the multitude. Right Honourable, I therefore, being the
son of a Citizen, congratulate this return of the City gallantly and
manifestation of her several splendours in your Majority to your
honoured self ; it being most proper that the lost beauty and magni-
ficence of the place should be restored by one, if I mistake it not, a
Brother of the prime Company, and therefore most fit to lead," etc.,
etc. — A copy of this tract is in the British Museum, presented by the
late King [press mark e. 857]; another was sold at Mr. Bindley's
sale, Aug. 4, 1820, to Mr. Rhodes for £i.
_ 26. The year 1656 produced " London's Triumph, by J. B." 410.
Sir Robert Titchburn, Skinner, was Lord Mayor, and the Pageant was
at the expense of his Company. This was another of the Aldermen
ejected at the Restoration, committed to the Tower with others, tried
and convicted of High Treason.
27. The same Company were next year at the charge of " London's
Triumph, by J. Tatham ; celebrated the 291)1 of October, 1657, in
* His Predecessor was Sir Christopher Packe, of whom I have published a
memoir and a good portrait in my History of Leicestershire, vol. iii., p. 355.
London Pageants. 119
honour of the truly deserving Rich. Chiverton, Lord Mayor of
London, at the costs and charges of the Right Worshipful Company
of Skinners, 1658," 410. [See Note 37.]
28. John Tatham was the Writer for several years. In 1658 he
produced " London's Tryumph, presented by Industry and Honour ;
with other delightful scaenes appertaining to them ; celebrated in
honour of the Right Honourable Sir John Ireton, Knight, Lord
Mayor of the said City, on the 29th day of October, 1658, and done
at the cost and charges of the Worshipfull Company of Clothworkers.
By J[ohn] Tjatham], 1658," 410. — Mr. Bindley's copy was sold,
Aug. 5, 1820, to Mr. Rhodes for^i us. 6d. [See Note 38.]
29. Next followed "London's Triumph, celebrated October 29,
1659, in honour of the much-honoured Thomas Allen, Lord Mayor
of the said City, presented and personated by an European, an
Egyptian, and a Persian, and done at the cost and charges of the
ever-to-be honoured Company of Grocers. By J. Tatham, 1659," 410.*
It is well known that the City acted as great a part in the Restora-
tion of Charles the Second, as they had done in the expulsion of his
Father. Having sent twelve Deputies to greet his Majesty at the
Hague, and present him with io,ooo/., who were all knighted, on the
zgth of May, 1660, the Lord Mayor and Aldermen met him at St.
George's Fields in Southwark ; and the former having delivered the
City sword to his Majesty, had the same returned with the honour of
knighthood. " On this solemn occasion, the City caused to be erected
in the said Fields a very magnificent tent, provided with a sumptuous
collation ; which the King having participated of, he proceeded
towards London, which was pompously adorned with the richest silks
and tapestries, and the streets lined with the City Corporations and
Trained Bands ; while the conduits flowed with a variety of delicious
wines, and the windows, balconies, and scaffolds, were crowded
with such an infinite number of spectators, as if the whole col-
lective body of the People had been assembled to grace the Royal
Entry." The Procession may be found fully described in Maitland's
London.
On the fifth of July following, the King dined at Guildhall ; and
the Pageants on this occasion were designed by Tatham. He pub-
lished a description of them which is entitled, " London's Glory ;
represented by Time, Truth, and Fame ; at the magnificent Triumphs
* In the British Museum is to be found " The Citie's new Poet's Mock Shew,
1659." This is one folio page on a broadside, and is to be found in the 1 5th
volume of the collection (in 24 vols.) of that description of publications, which was
presented to the National Library by the late King. It is a ballad of 144 lines in
triplets, and ridiculing the last Lord Mayor's Shew. It is signed M. T. (very
probably Matthew Taubnian, afterwards City Poet). — In the " Rosary of Rarities
in a Garden of Poetry," by Thomas Jordan, afterwards City Poet, 8vo., no date,
but printed about 1662, is " A Comical Entertainment made for S.r 'Ihomas Allan,
Lord Mayor, and the Aldermen, in 1659."
i2o Social Manners and Citstoms.
and Entertainment of his most sacred Majesty Charles the II., the
Dukes of York and Glocester, the two Houses of Parliament, Privy
Council!, Judges, etc., at Guildhall, on Thursday, being the 5th day of
July, 1660, and in the twelfth year of his Majesties most happy reign.
Together with the order and management of the whole day's business.
Published according to Order. London, printed by William Goddid
in Little Britain, 1660," 410., pp. 14. [Three] copies* of this are in
the British Museum, and [one] in the Bodleian Library; another was
sold at Mr. Garrick's sale (see under the Pageant of 1674); but it
bears a value very inferior to the Pageants of this author, if that was
not an exceptionable copy which was bought by Mr. Thorpe for
2S. f>d. at Mr. Bindley's sale, Aug. 4, 1820.
30. In 1660 Sir Richard Brown, once a Woodmonger, but adopted
as the Merchant-Taylor, was Lord Mayor; the Pageant 'the Royal
Oak ;" its poet J. Tatham, and the undertakers Capt And. Duke and
Mr. William Lightfoot, painters ; Thos. Whiting, joiner ; and Richard
Clarke, carver. Mr. Gough does not give the full title, and the
" Biographia Dramatica " omits to notice the Pageant altogether.
[See Note 39.]
On the 22d of April, the day before his Coronation, Charles the
Second, " according to ancient custom." rode through the City from
the Tower to Westminster. ''The Cavalcade was performed with
such an extreme magnificence, that the riches, glory, and splendour
thereof greatly astonished all the spectators, insomuch that the great
number of curious strangers then present could not help declaring,
that for glorv, grandeur, and magnificence, it excelled everything they
had ever seen. Nay, even the French Quality were forced to acknow-
ledge that the late Nuptial Solemnities at their King and Queen's
publick Entry into Parist were far inferior to the pomp of this. 'I he
Citizens on this occasion not only embellished and adorned their
persons and houses in the most rich and glorious manner, but likewise
erected four costly and magnificent Triumphal Arches." This Pro-
cession was described in " Gloria Britannica ; or a Panegyricke on
his Majesties Passage thorow London to his Coronation. London,
printed in 1661," 410. ; as were the Arches in "The City's Loyalty
displayed, or the four fabricks erected in the City of London, excel-
lently described, 1661," 410, a copy of which is in the British Museum.
* The volume in which this is found (presented by the late King) contains
several curious tracts printed at the Restoration, and among them, " The thrice
welcome and happy Inauguration of our most gracious Sovereign King Charles II.,
etc., by George Walling^on, of the City of Bristol," pp. 10 ; the second part of the
same, pp. 46; a Sermon entitled "God save the King, by Anthony Walker,
Minister of the Gospell at Kyfield in Essex," pp. 44 ; "A form of thanksgiving to
be used for his Majesties' happy Return ;" " Uritannia Rediviva," being a large
collection of Oxford Poems on the Restoration, etc. etc.
t In 1660 Louis XIV. had married Maria Theresa, the Infanta of Spain, daughter
of Philip IV.
London Pageants. 121
John Ogilby, in an account of the Coronation published this year,
also gave "The Relation of his Majesties Entertainment passing
through the City of London to his Coronation ; containing an exact
account of the whole solemnity ; the triumphal Arches and Caval-
cade, delineated in sculpture [engraving], the speeches and impres-
sions illustrated from antiquity, 1661," folio, pp. 40. Mr. Cough's
copy of this is in the Bodleian Library. The author was the com-
poser of the speeches, emblems, mottoes, and inscriptions at the
Coronation. He published, at the King's command, the following
year, a second edition, a large and handsome folio, with plates en-
graved by Hollar, which is described (with an account of the author)
in Moule's Bibliotheca Heraldica, p. 169. A third edition appeared
in 1685 on the accession of James II. — Moule mentions three other
tracts on the Coronation, printed in i66r.
31. Though the Lord Mayor's Shew had now been resumed for
some years, it was not till 1661 that the Exhibition on the Thames
was revived. That year's Pageant is intitled, " London's Triumphs,
presented in severall delightfull Scenes both on the water and land,
and celebrated in honour to the deservedly honored Sr. John Frede-
rick, Knight and Baronet, Lord Mayor of the City of London. At
the costs and charges of the Worshipfull Company of Grocers. John
Tatham. London, printed by Thomas Mabb, living on Paul's Wharff
next doore to the signe of the Ship, 1661," 410. In the title-page is
a shield displaying the Grocers' arms. Evelyn (the author of Sylva)
was a spectator of this " Water Triumph, being the first solemnity of
this nature after 20 yeares " — since 1641. The procession was wit-
nessed in Cheapside by the King, who probably dined at Guildhall.
His Majesty had condescended to become one of the Grocers' Com-
pany, being the first Monarch, as Mr. Tatham says, who had " ever
set such an estimation upon them." Sir John Frederick was translated
from another to that Company, in 1661, before his election as Lord
Mayor. Thus, in this and the preceding Magistrate, we have two
examples illustrative of my remarks in p. 108. A copy of this Pageant
is in the British Museum [press mark c. 21. c.] ; another was bought
by Mr. Rhodes for £2 at Mr. Bindley's sale, Aug. 5, 1820. A third
appeared at Mr. Garrick's sale, bound with the Pageant of 1613 (see
p. 107); and a fourth was sold at Mr. Nassau's sale, March 13, 1823,
to Mr. Jones of Highbury Park for ^4 25.
Soon after the Queen's arrival in this country the City of London
expressed their welcoming by severall Shews and Pageants on the
water. We find two works published on this occasion. The first :
'• The Solemnity of the Earl of Sandwich's Embassy to Lisbon to
conduct Queene Catherine to England ; with her Reception, and the
King's Procession on the River from Hampton Court to Whitehall.
By Theodore and Roderic Stoop." This contains seven plates, with
descriptions in Latin, English, and Spanish. The artists were
122 Social Manners and Customs.
Flemings, and Theodore was afterwards appointed painter to the
Queen. The other was the work of the City Artist, as this was of
those of the Court It is entitled "Aqua Triumphalis ; being a true
relation of the honourable the City of London entertaining their sacred
Majesties upon the river of Thames, and welcoming them from
Hampton Court to Whitehall ; expressed and set forth in severall
Shews and Pageants, the 23d day of August, 1662. Engraved by
John Tatham, Gent., 1662," fol. A copy (once Mr. Cough's) is in the
Bodleian Library. Mr. Evelyn also notices in his Diary this " most
magnificent Triumph that ever floated upon the Thames." " In my
opinion," says that accomplished man, " it far exceeded all yc Vene-
tian Bucentoros, etc., on the Ascension, when they go to espouse the
Adriatic.* His Matie and the Queen came in an antiq-shap'd open
vessell, cover'd with a state or canopy of cloth of gold, made in form
of a cupola, supported with high Corinthian pillars, wreath'd with
flowers, festoons, and garlands. I was in our new-built vessell, sailing
amongst them." See the "Memoirs," i. 339.
32. Tatham's Lord Mayor's Pageant for 1662 was "London's
Triumph ; presented in severall delightfull scenes, both upon the
water and land ; and celebrated in honour of the truly loyal and known
deserver of honour, Sir John Robinson, Knt. and Bart., Lord Mayor
of the City of London.t At the costs and charges of the Worshipful
Company of Clothworkers, 1662, "410. Mr. Gough's copy is in the
Bodleian Library : Mr. Bindley's was bought at the sale of his books,
Feb. 26, i8ij, by Mr. Jolley for ^2 14^. — Mr. Evelyn was also a
spectator of this, " standing in an house in Cheapside against the
place prepar'd for their Maties. The Prince of Denmark was there, but
not our King. There were ye Maids of Honor." Mr. Evelyn had
been to Court the preceding evening, " where ye Queene Mother, ye
Queene Consort, and his Matv being advertis'd of some disturbance,
forebore to go to the Lord Maior's Shew and Feast appointed next
day, the new Queene not having yet seen y' Triumph." (Memoirs, i.,
p. 34.) Sir John Robinson, however (who was Lieutenant of the
Tower, and M.P. for the City, and had been created a Baronet at the
Restoration for his loyalty), afterwards had the honour of entertaining
the King at the Hall of his Company. [See Note 41.]
33. The Pageant for 1663 was "Londinum Triumphans, or Lon-
* Of this cereir.ony in 1784, "the most magnificent ever seen in the present
century," see Gent. Mag. vol. liv., p. 625, and of ils appearance in still more
modern times, ihe present volume [1824], p. 344. It has also been described in
vols. xxxiv., p. 483, Ixviii., p. 184. [See Note 40.]
•f A tiact was published during this Mayoralty, intituled, "The antient honour
of the City of London recovered by the noble Sir John Rcbinson, Knight and
Baronet, Lord Mayor for the year 1662-3, '" tne true Lnglish and manlike exercise
of wrestling, archery, sword and dagger ; with the Speeches of Mr. William Smith,
Master of the Came pro h&c vice, and Clerk of the Market upon this solemn
occasion. Intermitted twenty-four years, since Caraway was Mayor "
London Pageants. 123
don's Triumphs, celebrated in honour of the truly deserving Sir
Anthony Bateman, Knight, Lord Mayor of London, and done at the
costs and charges of the Worshipful Company of Skinners, on the zgth
of October, 1663. By John Tatham, 1 663," 410. Mr. Bindley's copy
was bought, Aug. 5, 1820, by Mr. Rhodes for ^i us. 6d.
34. The next year came forth " London's Triumphs ; celebrated the
zgth of October, 1664; in honour of the truly deserver of honour, Sir
John Lawrence, Knight, Lord Mayor of the honourable City of London;
and performed at the costs and charges of the Worshipful Company of
Haberdashers. Written by John Tatham, Gent, i664,"4to. Mr. Bind-
ley's copy of this Pageant was sold the same day, to the same purchaser
as the preceding, who, at that time, purchased eight following lots,
namely the Pageants of 1658, 1661, 1663, 1664, 1685, 1686, 1688, 1689,
the seven last at the same price — £i i is. 6d.; the former £2. Evelyn
this year " din'd at Guildhall at -f upper table, plac'd next to Sr H.
Bennett, Secretary of State, opposite to my Lo. Chancellor and the
Duke of Buckingham, who sat between Monsr Comminges the French
Ambassr, Lord Treasurer, the Dukes of Ormond and Albemarle, Earl
of Manchester, Lord Chamherlaine, and the rest of ye greate Officers
of the State. My Lord Maior came twice up to us, first drinking in
the golden goblet his Ma'y's health, then the French King's as a com-
pliment to the Ambassr ; then we return'd my Lo. Maior's health,
trumpets and drums sounding. The cheer was not to be imagined
for the plenty and raritie, with an infinite number of persons at the
rest of the tables in that ample Hall. The Feast was s.iid to cost
^1,000. I slipt away in y= crowd and came home late." (Memoirs, i.
353.) Such an account is more than any of the Pageants afford, they
being all written in anticipation, to sell on the day. [See Note 42.]
The Pageant of 1664 is the last we find of its author; he probably
died about this time, and by his death put a stop for a season to the
London Pageants, since the next we find is that of 1671.
As the thirteen remaining years of Charles's Reign will afford suffi-
cient matter for another letter, I will here stop. My next communi-
cation will comprehend all the Pageants of Thomas Jordan, whose
career closes with that Reign. The first three of these years the
Citizens were honoured by the King's presence at Guildhall.
[1825, Part. I., pp. 30-33.]
THE REIGN OF KING CHARLES THE. SECOND.
As observed at the conclusion of my last communication, I now
begin with those City Pageants which were published by Thomas
Jordan.
Respecting Tatham, whose death was, in p. 518 of the last volume,
conjectured to have happened about 1665, he might, poor man, have
124 Social Manners and Customs.
been destroyed by the Plague, or burnt at the Fire ; but it was those
two great calamities themselves, which for a season stopped the
London Pageants.
For the five Lord Mayor's Days following the Fire, the Procession
of the Chief Magistrate was shorn of its beams. On 29th October,
1666, the Show on the Thames was omitted, and ''Sir William Bol-
ton, the Lord Mayor for the year ensuing, came in his coach to
Westminster, attended by the Aldermen, his brethren, the Sheriffs,
and several eminent Citizens in their coaches." The following year
Sir William Peak, " with the Aldermen, Sheriffs, and several Com-
panies of the Liverymen," returned to the old custom of going by
water. In 1668 Sir William Turner and his Company also "went
in their barges." These particulars are from the London Gazettes.
In 1669 and 1670, when Sir William Turner and Sir Samuel Starling
were Lord Mayors, nothing is mentioned.
35. The City having resumed its wonted gaiety, Jordan, in his
first production, celebrated "London's Resurrection to Joy and
Triumph : expressed in sundrie Shews, Shapes, Scenes, Speeches,
and Songs in parts, celebrious to the much-meriting Magistrate Sir
George Waterman, knight, Lord Mayor of the City of London. At
the peculiar and proper expenses of the worshipful Company of
Skinners. The King, Queen, and Duke of York, and most of the
Nobility being present Written by Thomas Jordan, 1671," 410. —
This Pageant is in Mr. Cough's collection in the Bodleian. Mr.
Bindley's copy was sold, Aug. 4, 1820, to Mr. Evans for ^3 15^.
— The London Gazette of November z, contains a long account of
the day. '1 heir Majesties saw the Water Procession from Whitehall ;
and the Land Show in Cheapside, "sitting in a balcony under a
canopy of State, near the Standard. — Their Majesties, the Duke of
York, the Lady Mary, and the Lady Anne, daughters to his Royal
Highness, Prince Rupert, and many of the great ladies, dined at a
table raised upon the hustings." The rest of the company were of
the best in the land. Before dinner the King knighted the Sheriffs,
Jonathan Dawes and Robert Clayton, esqrs. [See Note 43.]
36. In 1672 the City was quite recovered, and the Pageant was
called " London Triumphant ; or, the City in Jollity and Splendour,
expressed in various Pageants, Shapes, Scenes, Speeches, and Songs.
Invented and performed for congratulation and delight of the well-
deserving Govemour, Sir Robert Hanson, knight, Lord Mayor of
the City of London. At the cost and charges of the worshipful
Company of Grocers. His Majesty gracing the Triumphs with his
Royal presence. Written by Thomas Jordan. London : printed by
W. G. for Nath. Brook and John Playford, 1672." In the title-page
is a shield of the City Arms between two of those of the Grocers'
Company. 4to., pp. 20. — [Two copies are] in the British Museum
[press marks, 605. c. 12 and 113. 1. 15], another among Mr. Gough's
London Pageants. 125
in the Bodleian Library ; another in the Middle Temple library ; and
another at Mr. Bindley's sale, Jan. 22, 1819, obtained £4, 4*. from
Mr. Heber. — This Lord Mayor's day is also duly noticed in the
London Gazette (Oct. 31) ; the account is very similar to the last,
allowing for the Queen's absence. It appears the Water Procession
at this period landed at Paul's Wharfe.
37. That of 1673 was "London in its Splendour; consisting of
triumphing Pageants, whereon are represented many persons richly
arrayed, properly habited, and significant to the design. With several
Speeches and a Song, suitable to the Solemnity. All prepared for
the honour of the prudent Magistrate Sir William Hooker, knt,
Lord Mayor of the City of London ; at the peculiar expenses of the
worshipful Company of Grocers. As also a Description of his Ma-
jestie's Royal Entertainment at Guildhall by the City, in a plentifull
feast and a glorious banquet Written by Thomas Jordan, 1673,"
4to. — This is also part of Cough's Bounty to the Bodleian. Mr.
Bindley's copy was sold, Jan. 22, 1819, for ^3 17*. to Mr. Jeffrey. —
The account of this Lord Mayor's day in the London Gazette (of
Oct. 30) contains no new particulars.
38. In 1674 appeared "The Goldsmiths' Jubile, or London's
Triumph's ; containing a Description of the several Pageants ; on
which are represented emblematical figures, artful pieces of architec-
ture, and rural dancing ; with the speeches spoken on each Pageant
Performed October 29, 1674, for the entertainment of the Right Hon.
and truly noble pattern of prudence and loyalty, Sir Robert Vyner,
knt. and bart., Lord Mayor of the City of London. At the proper
costs and charges of the worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. The
King's most sacred Majesty and his Royal Consort, their Royal
Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York, Prince Rupert, the Duke
of Monmouth, several foreign Embassadors, chief Nobility, and Secre-
taries of State, honouring the City with their presence. By Thomas
Jordan, 1674," 410. — Of this Mr. Bindley had no copy; but Mr.
Garrick had one which bound with Tatham's "London Glory," 1660
(see p. 119), the Pageants of 1675, 1677, 1680, and 1681, and
other tracts, was sold at the sale of his library, April 28, 1823. — Of
this Pageant Mr. Thomas Stevenson (of whom see Walpole's Anecd.
iii. 49) was painter and undertaker. — A striking feature in this year's
Show, the London Gazette of November 2 informs us, was "the
brave appearance of the Company of Archers, to the number of 350,
armed with long bows and half pikes, under the command of Sir
Robert Peyton, knight, their Captain." [See Note 44.]
39. In 1675 was published "The Triumphs of London ; performed
on Friday, October 29, 1675, for the entertainment of the Right
Honourable and truly noble pattern of prudence and loyalty, Sir
Joseph Sheldon, knt., Lord Mayor of the City of Ixjndon. Contain-
ing a true Description of the several Pageants, with the Speeches
126 Social Manners and Customs.
spoken on each Pageant, together with the several Songs sung at
this solemnity. All set forth at the proper costs and charges of the
worshipful Company of Drapers. Designed and composed by Thos.
Jordan, gent. London : printed by J. Macock for John Playford,
and are sold at his shop near the Temple Church, 1675," 410., pp. 24,
— Of this I trace five copies ; one in the Museum ; Mr. Gough's in
the Bodleian Library; Mr. Bindley's, which was sold, Jan. 21, 1819,
to Mr. Jeffrey for ^3 i6s. ; Mr. Garrick's, mentioned above; and
Mr. Nassau's, which was one of four tracts that, bound up together,
were knocked down to Mr. Knell, March g, 1824, for .£10 los. The
other three were the Pageants of 1680 and 1691, and the "Hunting-
don Divertisement, or Interlude for the Entertainments at the County-
Feast held at Merchant-Taylors' Hall, 1678." — The King was not
absent from the City this year, though not mentioned in the preceding
title-page, but dined at Guildhall, accompanied by the Queen, their
Royal Highnesses,* many of the principal nobility, etc. The account
of the day given in the London Gazette of Nov. i, is a mere repe-
tition of its former paragraphs. The King knighted on this occasion
the Sheriffs, Sir Thomas Gold and Sir John Shorter, as likewise Sir
Patience Ward, Alderman. [See Note 45.]
40. The year 1676 produced "London's Triumphs, express'd in
sundry Representations, Pageants, and Shows. Performed on Monday,
October 30, 1676, at the Inauguration and Instalment of the Right
Hon. Sir Thos. Davies, draper, Lord Mayor of the City of London,
containing, etc. By Thomas Jordan, 1676," 410. A copy of this is
in the Althorpe Library. — Mr. Bindley had two copies, one purchased
at his sale, Jan. 22, 1819, by Mr. Rhodes for £2 $s. ; the other
Aug. 4, 1820, by the same gentleman for £2 $s. — Their Majesties,
their Royal Highnesses, the Lady Mary, and the Lady Anne, again
this year honoured the Civic Feast with their presence. The London
Gazette of Nov. 2, also tells us there was a very extraordinary appear-
ance of the Artillery Company. One of the Sheriffs, Sir John Peake,
being already a knight, the King conferred the same honour on the
other, Sir Thomas Stamp.
41. The year 1677 witnessed "London's Triuitiphs, illustrated with
many magnificent structures and Pageants ; on which are orderly ad-
vanced several stately representations of poetical deities, sitting and
standing in great splendor on several scenes in proper shapes ; with
pertinent speeches, jocular songs (sung by the City Musick), and
pastoral dancing. Performed October 29, 1677, for the celebration,
solemnity, and inauguration of the Right Honourable Sir Francis
Chaplin, knight, Lord Mayor of the City of London. All the charge
and expences of the industrious designs being the sole undertaking
of the ancient and right worshipful Society of Clothworkers. De-
signed and composed by Thos. Jordan, gent.
* The Duke and Duchess of York were so distinctively styled.
London Pageants. 127
" Et veniam pro laude peto ; laudatus abunde,
Non fastiditus si tibi, Lector, ero."
London, printed for John Playford at the Temple Church, 1677." A
shield of the Clothworker's arms appears in the title-page. — A copy
of this is among Mr. Gough's in the Bodleian Library ; one was pos-
sessed by Mr. Garrick (see before, under 1674); and a fragment
(the first 8 pages) is in the British Museum. [See Note 46.] — The
same Royal Party, with the addition of the Prince of Orange (after-
wards William III. who was married six days after to the Lady Mary),
again dined at Guildhall, having seen the Show in Cheapside, " in a
balcony under a canopy of State, at the house of Sir Edward Waldo."
The King knighted the Sheriffs, who were Sir William Royston and
Sir Thomas Beckford. Lond. Gaz., Nov. i.
42. The Pageant of 1678 was called "The Triumphs of London,
performed on Tuesday, October xxix, 1678, for the Entertainment
of the Right Honourable and truly noble pattern of prudence and
loyalty Sir James Edwards, knight, Lord Mayor of the City of
London, containing a true description of the several Pageants, with
the Speeches spoken on each Pageant, together with Songs sung in
this solemnity. All set forth at the proper costs and charges of the
worshipful Company of Grocers. Designed and composed by Thos.
Jordan, gent.
Quando magis dignos licuit spectare Triumphos ?
London : printed for John Playford at the Temple Church, 1678." —
Mr. Bindley had neither this nor the last. It is among Mr. Gough's
in the Bodleian Library, and the first 12 pages only are in the British
Museum. [See Note 47.] — The King had now honoured Guildhall
with his company for seven successive Lord Mayor's Days ; he
appears to have been absent on the present occasion, by reason of
"an horrible design against his sacred life," commonly known by the
name of the Popish Plot ; on account of which a Fast was appointed
for the i3th Nov., and the proclamation for which Fast was published
on the very day of the Lord Mayor's Feast. The London Gazette
does not notice any of the Civic solemnities.
43. In 1679 appeared "London in Luster, projecting many bright
beams of Triumph ; disposed into several representations of Scenes
and Pageants ; performed with great splendour on Wednesday, Oc-
tober xxix, 1679, at the initiation and instalment of the Right
Honourable Sir Robert Clayton, knight, Lord Mayor of the City of
London ; dignified with divers delightful varieties of Presentors, with
Speeches, Songs, and Actions, properly and punctually described.
All set forth at the proper cost and charges of the worshipful Com-
pany of Drapers. Devised and composed by Thos. Jordan, gent
Pictoribus atque Poi-tis
Quidlibet audendi semper fuit a;qua potestas.
hor. : Ue Arte Poet. 1. 9-10.
ia8 Social Manners and Customs.
London: printed for John Playford, at the Temple Church, 1679."
In 410., pp. 24. A large wood-cut of the Drapers' arms embellishes
the title-page. — Copies of this Pageant are in Cough's Bounty to the
Bodleian, in the British Museum [see Note 48], one was sold at
Mr. Bindley's sale, Jan. 22, 1819, for ,£3 i8s. to Mr. Hibbert; and
another at Mr. Garrick's, bound with the Pageant of 1612 (see p. 106).
By the London Cazette of Oct. 30 this year, it appears that when
the City Barges passed Whitehall, " their Majesties were pleased to
do them the honor to be upon the leads," and that " the Lords of
his Majestie's Privy Council, many others of the nobility, the Judges,
and other persons of quality dined at Guildhall." — '• The True l)o-
mestick Intelligence" of Oct. 31, says, "His Majesty dined not at
the new Lord Mayor's Feast, though invited above a week before the
time ; but most of the courtiers did, and the forraign Ministers. The
show was very magnificent, especially on the water, there being
several new barges lately built for several Companies that attended
the Lord Mayor. Many people were hurt in the City with the squibs
and crackers, and several carried to prison for throwing them." In
the " Domestic Intelligence " of the same date is a much longer ac-
count of the whole business ; but it contains nothing further worth
extracting, except it be that the Lord Chief Baron, in his " discourse
of this great office, was pleased to intimate that the City ought yet to
be carefull of the designs of the Romish party, whose Jesuits and
Priests are never idle in contriving and promoting the destruction of
his Majestie's person and Government ;"* and that " the Artillery
Company made a very noble appearance in their buff coats and red
feathers at Black Fryers Stairs." The following advertisement in this
paper, and connected with the Show, may be deemed curious : " Oc-
tober the 29th, there was dropt out of a balconey in Cheapside, a
very large watch-case, studded with gold : if any person hath taken it
up, and will bring it to Mr. Fells, a goldsmith, at the sign of the
Bunch of Grapes in the Strand, or to Mr. Benj. Harris, at the sign
of the Stationers' Armes in the Piazza under the Royall Exchange in
Cornhill, shall have a guinney reward."
44. The Lord Mayor's Day of 1680 ushered in " London's Glory,
or the Lord Mayor's Show : containing an illustrious Description of
the several triumphant Pageants, on which are represented emble-
matical figures, artfull pieces of architecture, and rural dancing, with
the speeches spoken in each Pageant ; also three new songs, the first
in praise of the Merchant Taylors ; the second, the Protestant's
Exhortation ; and the third, the plotting Papist's Litany ; with their
proper tunes, either to be sung or play'd. Performed on Friday,
October 29, 1680, for the entertainment of the Right Hon. Sir
Patience Warde, knt, Lord Mayor of the City of London. At the
* In the very same paper is an advertisement of Dr. Titus Oates's "True Nar-
rative of the horrid Plot and Conspiracy of the Popish 1'arty," &c.
London Pageants. 1 29
proper cost and charges of the Right Worshipful Company of Mer-
chant Taylors. Invented and composed by Thomas Jordan, gent.,
1680," 410. — This is among Mr. Gough's in the Bodleian Library;
two copies were sold at Mr. Bindley's sale, one, Jan. 22, 1819, for
£$ i6s. to Mr. Jolley ; the other, Aug. 4, 1820, for £i i8.r. to
Mr. Rodd ; a fourth was possessed by Mr. Garrick (see No. 37) ;
and a fifth by Mr. Nassau (see No. 38). — The most striking Pageant
this year was a representation of the armour of the Merchant Taylors'
Company, consisting of a large tent Royal, Gules, fringed and
garnished Or, lined, faced, and doubled Ermine, and a camel on
each side (being the supporters), ridden by richly dressed Indians.
The London Gazette informs us, that in the absence of his Majesty,
the dinner was honoured by the presence of the Lords of the Privy
Council, and others of the nobility, the Judges, and other persons of
quality. [See Note 49.]
Here due limits compel me to stop. My future letters will acquire
much additional interest, from further extracts from my large collec-
tion of early-printed newspapers.
[1825, Part /.,//. I3I-I35-]
Having been referred by L. S. to the Sale catalogue of the
library of James West, Pres. R.S., I shall, as I proceed, enumerate
the remainder of those in his collection. His copy of the first-known
Pageant (that of 1585) was the same as that mentioned in my first
letter. He possessed ten temp. Car. II., 1660, 1662, 1672, 1675,
1677, 1678, 1679, 1680, 1681, and 1684; which were sold Apr. 23,
1773, in one lot to Mr. G. Nicol for £\ $s. A duplicate of 1680
was in a miscellaneous lot. Several narratives of Coronations, Mar-
riages, etc., including Ogilby's Relation of the King's entertainment
through London, Tatham's Aqua Triumphalis (both noticed in
ante pp. 121, 122), Morgan's Coronation of Charles II. published in
1685, etc., were sold together for £i us. The valuable second
edition of Ogilby's Coronation (also noticed ubi supra) by itself pro-
duced only qs. 6d.
Thomas Jordan had as yet run but half his course.
45. In 1 68 1 he produced "London's Joy, or the L»rd Mayor's
Show triumphantly exhibited in various Representations, Scenes, and
splendid Ornaments, with divers pertinent figures and movement?,
performed on Saturday, October xxix, 1681, at the Inauguration of
the Right Honourable Sir John Moore,* Knight, Lord Mayor of the
* The Founder of the celebrated Free Grammar School at Appleby in Leicester-
shire ; for the Mastership of which, in 1738, the great Johnson was an unsuccess-
ful applicant. A friendly letter from Lord Gower to Dean Swift on this occasion
maybe seen in the " History of Leicestershire," vol. iv. p. 441, wheic is also
9
1 30 Social Manners and Customs.
City of London. With the several Speeches and Songs, which were
spoken on the Pageants in Cheapside, and sung in Guild-Hall during
Dinner. All the Charges and Expenses of the industrious designs
being the sole undertaking of the Worshipful Company of Grocers.
Devised and composed by Thos. Jordan, Gent
Omne tulit punctum qui miscuit ulile dulci.
London, printed for John and Henry Playford, 1681," 410., pp. 16.—
Two copies of this were sold at Mr. West's sale, one as above, and
another with the Pageant of 1708, and two other duplicates, 1683
and 1678. A copy is among Mr. Gough's in the Bodleian ; one was
sold at Mr. Bindley's sale, Jan. 22, 1819, for ^3 IQS. to Mr. Heber;
one appeared at Mr. Garrick's (see No. 37) ; and one is in my own
library. The volume of Pageants in the British Museum contains
only part of it.* — I find it advertised in " The True Protestant
Mercury" of Oct 29; and "The Loyal Protestant and True
Domestic Intelligencer " of the same day gives a very ample abridg-
ment of it. Its description of the Cheapside Pageants being short,
may be here admitted :
" In the entrance into Cheapside his Lordship is entertain'd with a Pageant,
which is the figure of a large Camel carv'd, mounted by a young Negro between
two silver panniers ; on each side of him sit two ladies representing Plenty and
Wholsom. In the reer of the Cammel is a Royal Theatre, built after the lonick
order, adorn'd with the figures of the Seven Champions of Christendom, with five
beautiful ladies, in their proper order, representing the Senses, t St. Anthony,
the Patron of the Grocers, makes a speech to his Lordship.
" Next his Lordship is intercepted by two Pageants, Jucundity and Utility,
mounted on golden griffens ; between which appears another, being a magnificent
fabrick of the Composit order, called the Academy of Sciences, on which are
placed Phylosophers and prudent women, amongst whom Diogenes makes a
speech. After which his Lordship is intercepted by an Indyan Garden of Spices,
in which is a sumptuous bower, and a rustick building, where sitteth Fructifera,
the I.ady Governess, attended with Fragor, Florida, Delicia, and Placentia ;
Fructifera makes a speech ; which being done, one of her attendants sings ; which
ended, his Lordship passes to Guildhall, where he is saluted by the Artillery
Company."
fiven an ample account of Appleby School and of its benevolent Founder and his
'amily. There is a good mizzo-tinto Portrait of Sir John Moore, sitting in a
chair, in his Lord Mayor's robes, by Mac Ardell, from a painting by Sir Peter
Lely. It is a private plate on a half sheet, and very rare. While President of
Christ's Hospital he built at his owti cost the Writing-school belonging to that
Foundation.
* [See Note 50.]
t The Senses were personated at King James the First's Entry into London in
1603, and are represented sitting in the Triumphal Arch erected at Soper Lane
end, in Harrisons "Seven Arches of Triumph." See my forthcoming "Pro-
gresses of James the First," vol. i., p. 355.— Jordan, however, in his prefatory
address to the Grocers' Company, assures them "that in these Triumphs there is
nothing designed, written, said, or sung, that ever was presented in any Show till
this present day '."
London Pageants. 131
Such were the Pageants of 1681; which (as other papers of the
period inform us) were witnessed by their Majesties in a Balcony.
The Queen had been invited by the Recorder and two Sheriffs at
Whitehall on the 22d, when they went round to Prince Rupert, the
Lord Chancellor, the Ambassador, and all the other great ones. I
have several papers which record their entertainment in the City, but
none so fully as the paper above quoted in the number published
Nov. i. As a description of the bustle of a Lord Mayor's Day 150
years ago, so different from the (in comparison) quiet eating and
drinking of the present, I shall here add it, particularly as it is only
to be found in my authority, and is not a matter-of-course article in
the species of tracts of which the present is a List, they being (as
before observed) always printed in anticipation :
" Their Majesties, attended by all the Great Officers of the Household, inclosed
with the Yeomen of the Guard on foot, and guarded by the Duke of York's troop
of horse, commanded by the Right Honourable the Earl of Feversham, consisting
of 200 gentlemen, completely armed, etc., departed from Whitehall about the
same time the Lord Mayor took barge at Westminster. About 12 o'clock their
Majesties came into London, and went to a house in Cheapside opposite to the
church of St. Mary-le-bow, where he was diverted by the Pageants, as you read in
my last. In his passage he was entertained with a Speech spoken by one of the
boys at Christ's Hospital at a convenient place fix'd for that purpose near the
West end of St. Paul's Church, the rest of his company being seated about him,
with each of them a mathematical instrument ;* which being ended, his Majesty
was entertained in English and Latin verse by a lad at St. Paul's School, who was
conveniently placed there for that purpose, f Then the Lords of his Majesty's
* The senior scholar of Christ's Hospital usually welcomed the Sovereign on his
passage through the City :— when Queen Elizabeth passed through London to her
Coronation, in 1558-9, "the children of th' ospitall wer appointed to stand with
their Governours at St. Dunstone's church ;" see Queen Eliz. Progresses (new
edit.), i. 55 ; — when James the First first entered London, May 4, 1603, " by a way
that was cut of purpose through the banck, for his Majestie's more convenient
passage into the Charter House Garden, amongst the multitude were the Children
of the Hospital, singing orderly, placed for his Majestie's comming along through
them, but all displaced by reason of the rudenesse of such a multitude." King
[ames his Entertainment at Theobald's, wilh his Welcome to London, by John
Savile ; reprinted in the forthcoming Progresses of James, i. 140 : — when the same
Monarch left the Tower the day before his Coronation, "the first object that his
Majesties eye encountered, after his entrance into London, was part of the children
of Christ's Church Hospital!, to the number of 300, who were placed on a scaffold
erected for that purpose in Barking Churchyard by the Tower ;" see the forth-
coming " Progresses of King James," i. 134 ; — and when George the Third dined
at Guildhall on Lord Mayor s day, 1761, at the East end of St. Paul's Churchyard,
the senior scholar of the grammar school in Christ's Hospital, addressed a speech
to his Majesty, which may be seen in Gent. Mag. vol. xxxi., p. 533. [See Note 51.]
t As most public processions went by St. Paul's School, the scholars were
frequently called upon to address the passing grandees ;— in 1558-9, when Queen
Elizabeth, on her way to her Coronation, "came over against Paule's Scole, a
childe ap|xjinted by the scolemaster thereof pronounced a certain oration in Latin
and certain verses," which are printed in her "Progresses," vol. i., p. 52; — in
1594, when the Masquers of Gray's Inn rode by, conducting their chief, the
Prince of Purpool, from his mock Embassy to Russia, "at St. Paul's school
9—2
132 Social Manners and Customs.
Privy Council, the Foreign Ambassadors and Agents, the Judges of all the
Superior Courts at Westminster, his Majesty's learned Council in the Law,
according to their several qualities, made their publick entrance into the City, anil
took their several conveniences prepared for their standing ; when, at last, the Right
Honourable Sir John Moore, Knt., our loyal Lord Mayor for the year ensuing,
accompanied by the Aldermen, Recorder, and Sheriffs in their scarlet gowns,
mounted on horseback, marched from Black Fryers stairs to Guildhall. In their
passage through Cheapside, his Majesty was pleased to do his Lordship the honour
of a salute ; and several worthy Aldermen were honoured with the same favour,
lieing past, the Sheriffs alighted, and acquainted his Majesty that they were to
attend him to Guildhall, which they accordingly did, riding bare on each side the
coach ; and being arrived at Guildhall, the people gave a great shout. Their
Majesties being sate, the dinner was served in with all imaginable gallantry ; the
Foreign Ministers, the Lords of the Council and Great Ministers of State, with
the Judges, etc., took their several tables provided for that purpose, and were all
served and attended according to their qualities. The Lord Mayor and Aldermen
were seated at the lower end of the Hall, where his Lordship drank their Majesties'
healths, and his Majesty was graciously pleased to drink the Lord Mayor's health
and all his good subjects ; which was answered with great shouts and acclamation.
At the same time the Yeomen of the Guard were entertained at the Citie's charge
at the Ax Inn in Aldermanbury ; the gentlemen of the Horse and Foot Guards
were entertained at Blossoms Inn and several other adjacent inns ; and in all this
great reception there was not the least disorder. Their Majesties about 7 a clock
took coach, wlien the Sheriffs proffer'd their service to attend his Majesty through
the croud, but his Majesty was pleased to excuse their trouble at that time. All
the streets being illuminated with torches, flambeaus, etc., were beset with
numerous crowds, whose continued shouts declared their present joy of his
Majesty's presence ; and in this manner being come to Ludgate, a large rank of
loyal gentlemen stood in a balcony, nharg'd with full glasses, which they discharged
in such excellent order, that caused all the Guards to answer them with a huzza.
Immediately after, all the streets appeared as in a flame with bonfires, etc., which
concluded this great Entertainment."
46. In 1682 was published "The Lord Mayor's Show, being a
description of the Solemnity at the Inauguration of the truly loyal
and Right Honourable Sir William Pritchard, Knt., Lord Mayor of
the City of London, President of the Honourable Artillery Company,
and a Member of the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors.
Performed Sept. 30, 1682, with several new loyal Songs and Catches,
1682," 4to. — The only copy I trace of this is Mr. Cough's at Oxford.
— This and the following Lord Mayor's day appear to have been
his Highness was entertained with a Latin oration, made by one of the scholars of
that school," which is also printed, ibid. iii. 308 ; — in 1603, when James the First
was proceeding to his Coronation, the Quiris-ters of the Church having finished
their anthem from the " lower batlements of the Cathedrall Temple, a Latine
Oration was viv& voce delivered to his Grace by one of Maister Mulcaster's
Schollers, at the dore of the Freeschole fownded by the Mercers," which likewise
is printed in the forthcoming " Progresses of King James," vol. i. 367 ;— and again
in 1606, when that King made another public entry into that City with his brother-
in-law the King of Denmark, some "delightful speeches " were delivered, "to
which they graciously hearkened and honourably accepted." Ibid, ii., p. 68.
No speech appears to have been delivered by the scholars of St. Paul's in 1761 ;
the blue-coat boy mentioned in the last note must have been stationed within sight
of the school.
London Pageants. 133
deficient in pageantry, in which the preceding had been so rich.
The Biographia Dramatica ascribes this to a want of liberality in the
Chief Magistrate, though his Company always paid the cost and
charges ; however this may be, it is a proof how much the King's
presence was regarded at this period, that his absence sanctioned the
omission. Jordan's talents were probably unemployed, as well as
those of the engineer and carpenter, since his name is not in the
title-page above. The order of procession might be made out by the
bookseller from a former year. — Still we find much said in the news-
papers respecting the Inauguration of Sir William Pritchard. On the
Recorder and Aldermen presenting him to the Lord Chancellor,
Oct. 26, they were told the King was so pleased with their choice,
that it was his pleasure (his Majesty being advised that it was necessary
at this juncture to approve of him personally) that he should wait on
him at 1 1 o'clock the following day ;— so, after having drunk his
Majesty's health, they were dismissed. An account follows of their
most gratifying audience the next morning. (The Loyal Protestant,
Oct. 28). Great preparations were making in Guildhall on the 27th
in gilding, graving, and painting. On the 28th, after swearing in the
new Lord Mayor, he, the Aldermen, etc., dined at the Grocers' Hall.*
The City was so disaffected at this period (their Charter being
suspended) that we are told several of the companies hesitated
respecting attending the Lord Mayor to Westminster. He went,
however, " accompanied by a great number of barges, and about
twelve boats of Noblemen." Their Majesties and his Royal Highness
were on the leads of Whitehall as they passed. The cavalcade on
their return landed at Blackfriars ; they dined not at Guildhall, but
the hall of the Grocer's Company.f " His Majesty came not, but
several of the Nobility did ; as the Earl of Radnor, Lord Craven,
* Grocers' Hall was emp'oyed, though the Lord Mayor was a Merchant Taylor,
and the spaciousness of Merchant Taylors' Hall is very well known. It seems to
have been considered too spacious, as Grocers' Hall was used as the Civic
Hunqueting-house the next day also instead of Guildhall. In the Grubb-street
Journal of Thursday, October 29, 1730, a representation of the different arms of
the Companies is followed by " the ancient manner of the celebration of Lord
Mayor's clay " from Stowe, and " the order of the Procession, in heroic verse, written
at the latter end of the English Augustan Age, by that celebrated Dramatic
poet and learned ornament of Grubb-street, Tho. Jordan, Geut." The poem
commences :
Selected Citizens i' th' morning all
At seven a clock do meet at Grocers hall."
t This was the first time, as far as I can discover, that the City Feasters
deserted Guildhall on Lord Mayor's day. If they had up to this time always
dined there, and now preferred a smaller room, it certainly argues a decay of
hospitality ; and, coupled with the omission of the Pageants, a want of liberality.
Grocer's Hall was used annually from this time, till 1695, with a few exceptions,
when the King came or was expected. In 1695 antl two following years Skinners'
Hall was emph>)ed. Then Guildhall till 1703; in which and two following
years, and perhaps more, Draper's Hall was adopted.
134 Social Manners and Customs.
Lord Berkley, Lord Chamberlain, etc. How the Whigs were pleased
we cannot tell ; but you might know many of them by keeping their
shops, and hanging down their heads ! All the way his Lordship
passed, the people shouted exceedingly, and so ended this day's
work, to the joy of all true Loyalists and good Citizens." (The Loyal
Protestant, Oct. 31). The Loyal Impartial Mercury of the same date
adds Prince Rupert to the illustrious visitors ; and gives as creditable
information that the King would dine with the Lord Mayor at Grocer's
Hall, where he kept his Mayoralty, "on Wednesday next;" but this
does not appear to have taken place.*
47. In the ensuing year appeared "The Triumphs of London,
performed on Monday, October xxix, 1683, for the entertainment of
the Right Honourable and truly noble pattern of prudence and loyalty
Sir Henry Tulse, Knt., Lord Mayor of the City of London. Con-
taining a description of the whole Solemnity ; with two new songs
set to music. London, printed for John and Henry Playford, 1683,"
4to., pp. 8. A wood-cut of the City arms between two shields of those
of the Grocers adorns the title.— I trace three copies of this ; Mr.
Cough's in the Bodleian Library; Mr. Bindley's, sold Aug. 5, 1820,
to Mr. Rhodes for £i us. 6d. ; and one which, with a copy of the
Pageant of 1672, was sold in a miscellaneous lot to Mr. Thorpe, at
the recent sale of the library of Mr. Edw. Jones, Bard to the King.f
— This publication, as the last, contains only the customary directions
for the Procession to and from Westminster, and two songs to be
sung respectively by an Irishman and a West-country-man ^ all
pageantry and speeches being omitted in the absence of the King.
From the London Gazette of Nov. i, we learn that their Majesties
and his Royal Highness were as usual on the leads of Whitehall as
the City Barges passed by ; and that " a very noble dinner " was pro-
vided at Grocers' Hall (the Lord Mayor this year was a Grocer), at
• In the British Topography, p. 779, is mentioned a tract entitled " War horns,
make room for the bucks with green bows, Lond. 1682, 4to." This was, says
Mr. Gough, "on the splendid Entertainment of the London Prentices and Lords
at Merchant Taylors' Hall."— It is a poem spiced with all the political spleen of
the day. It begins :
" By heaven 'twas great, 'twas generous and free,
Worthy the noble sons of Loyaltie.
No squeamish Whig could long lie lurking near,
To sower the sparkling wine, or pall the chear,
None who again for forfeit guineys bawl,
When finely chowst at Sequestrators'-IIall,
Where the dear zealous brethren's hopes were crost,
And Mother Cause, forsooth, her longing lost ;
Our Wine and Venison pasty only glads
The Damme-boys and Tory-Rory-Lads !"
t The sale of this curious musical collection look place at Mr. Sotheby's rooms,
Feb. 7 [1825], and two following days.
London Pageants, 135
which were the Lords of his Majesties Privy Council, the Judges,
and others of the Company.
48. In 1684 Jordan again shone ; but for the last time. His pro-
duction was " London's Royal Triumph for the City's Loyal Magis-
trate ; in an exact description of several Scenes and Pageants, adorned
with many magnificent representations. Performed on Wednesday,
Oct xxix, 1684, at the Instalment and Inauguration of the Right
Hon. Sir James Smith, Knt , Lord Mayor of the City of London.
Illustrated with divers delightful objects of Gallantry and Jollity,
Speeches, and Songs, single and in parts. Set forth at the proper
costs and charges of the Worshipful Company of Drapers. Devised
and composed by Thomas Jordan, Gent
Quando magis dignos licuit spectare Triumphos.
Printed for John and Henry Playford, 1684," 410. — A copy of this
was among those of Mr. West, mentioned in the beginning of this
letter; but I find no copy in Mr. Cough's, Mr. Bindley's, or any
later collection of which I know the contents [see Note 52]. — The
Pageants, though not wanting as for the two last years, are not noticed
in the London Gazette. Its account of the day is worded much as
usual. Their Majesties, his Royal Highness, and Prince George
(who had been married to the Princess Anne, July 28, 1683), were on
the leads of Whitehall as the Civic Fleet passed. The dinner was
again at Grocers' Hall (the Lord Mayor being a Merchant Taylor) ;
the company is described as last year. At this date I have not other
newspapers to refer to. .
[1825, Part I., pp. 221-223.]
THE REIGN OF KING JAMES THE SECOND.
The career of Matthew Taubman,* the successor of Jordan in the
* Matthew Taubman, Gent., who continued civic poet from this period to his
demise in 1691, was author of "an Heroick Poem to his Royal Highness the
Duke of York on his return from Scotland. With some choice Songs and Med-
leyes on the Times," 1682, fol. Of this work the publisher says, "The author of
these few songs being much sollicited for copies, and not able to oblige all his
friends, was prevail'd upon " to print. It is full of local interest, and the follow-
ing lines seem prophetic of the warming-pan production of 1688 :
Young Jemmy, a catch.
Young Jemmy, the blade of royal stamp, is blasted in the case,
The Fairies have crept in and left a changeling in his place,
The spark that fires the nymphs and the sun that gilds the plains ;
Then bring us more wine, the dog-star bites, more wine to cool our brains,
Was ever poor youth, was ever poor youth so unhappily undone,
Has lost a father, but who can say the father hath lost a son ?
136 Social Manners and Customs.
honourable office of City Poet, began with the accession of James II.
His first production was
49. " London's Annual Triumph ; performed on Thursday, Oc-
tober 29, 1685, for the Entertainment of the Right Honourable Sir
Robert Jeffreys, Knight, Lord Mayor of the City of London ; with a
description of the several Pageants, Speeches, and Songs, made
proper for the occasion ; all set forth at the proper costs and charges
of the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers. Composed by Matt.
Taubman, 1685," 410. — A copy of this is in the Bodleian Library in
Mr. Cough's collection ; and a second was sold at Mr. Bindley's sale,
Aug. 5, 1820, to Mr. Rhodes for _^i us. bd. [see Note 53]. — The
London Gazette of Nov. 2 this year, gives but its ordinary account of
the day ; the King was on the leads at Whitehall as the Civic Fleet
passed by, and the dinner was at Crocers' Hall. Among the adver-
tisements is this :
"A Silver Tankard lost from Grocers-Hall the 29th instant, the Lid being
broken off, and Inscribe round the Tankard, The Gift of Bevis Bulmer. Who-
ever gives nolice of it to Mr. Hoare,* a Goldsmith at the Golden Bottle, in
Cheariside, so that it be had again, bhall have 2Os. reward.
50. The following year produced " London's Yearly Jubilee, per-
form'd on Friday, October xxix, 1686, for the entertainment of the
Right Honourable Sir John Peake, Knight, Lord Mayor of the City
of London ; with a description of the several Pageants, Speeches, and
Songs, made proper for the occasion. All set forth at the proper
costs and charges of the Right Worshipful the Company of Mercers.
Composed by M. Taubman. LondinumRcgnifirmatacoliimna. Printed
and published by Authority. London, printed for H. Playford, near
the Temple Church, i686,"4to., pp. 20. — Acopy of this is in the British
Museum [press mark 605. c. 12]. One was sold at the sale of the
Library of Jas. West, Pres. R. S., March 30, 1773, in a lot of tracts
which obtained 6c. 6</. ; was sold by itself at the sale of the library
of Jas. Bindley, Esq., for -£i nj. 6</. to Mr. Rhodes. — The London
Gazette of Nov. i, this year, makes particular mention of the " several
pageants, which the Company of Mercers had caused to be made for
this occasion." Their Majesties were on the leads of Whitehall as
the Water Show passed. At the Lord Mayor's landing at Blackfriars
on his return, the Artillery Company "made a more than ordinary
fine appearance." The dinner was at Grocers' Hall. — The celebrated
John Evelyn, whose remarks on the Lord Mayor's Shews of his
younger days I before quoted, this year says : " Oct. 29, there was a
triumphant Shew of the Lord Maior both by land and water, with
much solemnity, when yet his power has been so much diminish'd,
by the losse of the Citty's former Charter." Memoirs, vol. i., p. 595.
* Afterwards Sir Richard, who was Lord Mayor in 1713, and great-grandfather
of the present [18^5] worthy Baronet of Stourhead.
London Pageants. 137
51. The Pageant of the next year was intitled " London's Triumph;
or, the Goldsmith's Jubilee, October 29, 1687 ; performed for the
Confirmation and Entertainment of the Right Hon. Sir John Shorter,
Lord Mayor. By M. Taubman, 1687," 410. — My account of this
must be shorter than usual, for the only copy I have traced is Mr.
Cough's in the Bodleian Library [see Note 54].— Still the Lord
Mayor's day of 1687 did not deserve such oblivion, for James II. this
year (the only time as King) honoured the Civic Banquet with his
presence. The particulars which follow are abridged from the London
Gazette of Oct. 31:*
"The Pageants, which make a great part of the Shew, are chiefly designed to
express the benefits the City enjoys [though deprived of its Charter !J of peace and
plenty under his Majesties happy government, and for the many advantages of
that liberty which his Majesty has been pleased so graciously to indulge to all his
subjects, though of different persuasions — He went to Guildhall, accompanied by
his Royal Highness Prince George of Denmark, and attended by the principal
officers of the Court, the Lords of the Council, and several of the Nobility ; the
Queen, who intended them the same grace and favour, was indisposed. — The
King was met by the two Sheriffs at Temple Bar. — Amongst other tables in the
Hall, there was one furnished for the Foreign Ministers, at which was present the
Pope's Nuntio and the French Ambassador. The whole was conducted very
much to his Majesties satisfaction, which he was pleased to declare. — The follow-
ing day the Aldermen and two Sheriffs, with the Common Serjeant, waited on his
Majesty to return thanks for the great honour they had received, and to beg his
Majesty to excuse whatever had been amiss or unworthy of him ; whom his
Majesty received very graciously, and as a mark of his acceptance of their Enter
tainment, he was graciously pleased to confer the honour of knighthood upon
two of the Aldermen then present, viz., John Bawden and William Ashurst,
EiK|tiirc8<f><f
Sir John Shorter, died during his Mayoralty, Sept. 4 ; when Sir
John Eyles, who had never served Sheriff, and was not even a free-
man, was put in by the King for the remainder of the year. Fright-
ened by the prospect of the Prince of Orange's invasion, the pusil-
lanimous James, in the hope of attaching the citizens to his party,
on the 6th of October restored their charter, of which by his means
they had been deprived in 1683. At the same time he constituted
Sir John Chapman Lord Mayor, who was elected to serve the follow-
ing year. The Pageant composed for his Inauguration was
* The same Gazette contains this advertisement : " Whereas there are certain
ancient fees of homage due, and of right ought to be paid to his Majesties servants
upon his Majesties first entrance after his succession to the Crown into any county,
city, town corporate, cathedral, or collegiate church, within the Kingdom of
England, to be paid by them respectively ; and whereas several of them have
paid, and some neglect to pay the same : these are therefore to give notice that his
Majesty is pleased to depute Sir Thomas Duppa, Knt., his Majesties Gentleman
Usher of the Clack Rod, to receive the said fees for the benefit of such of his
Majesties servants to whom the same are due ; and that if the fees not paid
accordingly, they will be prosecuted for the same."
t Sir William Ashurst was Lord Mayor in 1694, and for many years M.P. for
London ; Sir John liawden was never Lord Mayor.
138 Social Manners and Customs.
52. " London's Anniversary Festival, performed on Monday, Oct.
29, 1688, for the Entertainment of the Right Hon. Sir John Chap-
man, Knt., Lord Mayor of the City of London; being their great
Year of Jubilee : with a Panegyric upon the restoring of their Charter;
and a sonnet provided for the Entertainment of the King. By M.
Taubman, 1688," 410.— Of this, as the last, I know of no other copy
but that in the Bodleian Library, presented by Mr. Gough.— A sonnet
was provided for the King's entertainment, as the preceding title says;
but it does not appear that he was actually expected at the City table.
He saw from the leads of Whitehall the Civic barges pass, says the
London Gazette of Nov. i. — The dinner was at Grocers' Hall, as
usual.
Sir John Chapman, also, died during his Mayoralty, and on March
22d Thomas Filkington, Esq., elected Lord Mayor for the remainder
of the year, was presented to the Lords Commissioners of the Great
Seal, sworn at the hustings according to custom, and at five in the
afternoon was sworn without the Tower Gate, by Lord Lucas, Chief
Governor of the Tower, in pursuance of their Majesties' writ to him
directed, and of the ancient usage at such time as the Exchequer
Court was not holden at Westminster. This is worth remark, as I
doubt whether the same has been since done. Sir Thomas Pilking-
ton (he was soon after knighted) continued Lord Mayor for two years
after.
P.S. — I repeat my request of the loan for a very few days of any
of the "London Pageants" between 1603 and 1624. Those of
which I already have copies are mentioned in p. 104, et $eq.
Since the notice there taken (pp. no, 113) of "Chester's Triumph
in Honour of her Prince," that rare tract has passed through the
press for my forthcoming Progresses of James I., and I have found
in Mr. Hanshall's new History of Cheshire some extracts from a
manuscript (in the possession of a Chester lady) which are highly
illustrative of the festivities. But the following passage has only lately
attracted my attention in Howes' continuation of Stow's Chronicle
(edit. 1631) under the year 1616 :
" In honour of this joyfull Creation there were solemn Triumphs performed at
Ludlow the fourth of Nov., and published by Master Daniell Powell, Gent."
This was evidently a similar tract to " Chester's Triumph," the one
being the account of the provincial festivities on the Creation of
Prince Henry, the other on the Creation of Prince Charles. Should
a copy of this tract (though unknown to Mr. Gough) be in existence,
I trust to the liberality of its owner for the loan of it.
London Pageants. 139
[1825, Part I., pp. 321-324-]
THE REIGN OF WILLIAM AND MARY.
On the first Lord Mayor's day after the Accession of William and
Mary, the new-made Sovereigns honoured the Civic Banquet with
their presence. Preparatory to this, the King was graciously pleased
to permit the Grocers' Company to choose him their " Soveraign
Master."
" On the 24th of October, the Wardens, with some of the principal Members,
being introduced at Whitehall by the Right Honourable the Earl of Dorset and
Middlesex, Lord Chamberlain of his Majesties Household (who is himself a
member of that Company), attended his Majesty, and humbly presented to him a
copy of their election, and instrument of his freedom of the said Company, in a
gold box ; for which his Majesty was pleased to thank them, and as a mark of his
Royal favour, to confer the honour of knighthood upon Ralph Box, Esq., their
Chief Warden."— London Gazette, Oct. 31.
As mentioned in my last communication, Sir Thomas Pilkington
was continued Lord Mayor both this year and the next. The Pageant
of this year (the last by Taubman) was entitled :
53. " London's Great Jubilee, restor'd and perform'd on Tuesday,
October the 29th, 1689, for the entertainment of the Right Honour-
able Sir Thomas Pilkington, Kt., Lord May or of the City of London,
containing a description of the several Pageants and Speeches, to-
gether with a Song for the Entertainment of their Majesties, who,
with their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Denmark,
the whole Court, and both Houses of Parliament, honour his Lord-
ship this year with their presence. All set forth at the proper cost
and charges of the Right Worshipful Company of Skinners. By
M[atthew] T[aubman]. Londinutn Urbs inclyta Jfegnm. London,
printed for Langly Curtiss, at Sir Edmondbury Godfrey's Head, near
Fleetbridge, 1689." 410., pp. 20. — Of this, a copy is in the British
Museum (in the volume mentioned in p. 117, which was presented
by Lady Banks); one appeared at Mr. West's sale, April 23, 1773,
in company with the Pageants of 1692, 1693, 1694, and 1695, all
which Mr. Nicol bought for los. 6d.; Mr. Bindley's was sold,
Aug. 5, 1820, for £i nj. (>d. to Mr. Rhodes, and has been sold
again, at Mr. Rhodes's sale,* the 27th of the present month, for
^3 15^. to Mr. Thorpe. [See Note 55.]
The following abridged particulars from the Gazette account of
this splended festival, will, I think, be perused with interest, par-
ticularly when it is considered that all the formalities were adopted as
precedents in 1761, when their late Majesties dined at Guildhall.
* By Mr. Sotheby, April 18 [1825] and nine following days. On this I shall
enlarge in my next communication.
140 Social Manners and Customs.
"As the City Barges passed by Whitehall, they payd their obeisance to their
Majesties, who were in their apartment on the water-side. The river was covered
with boats and 'he noise of drums and trumpets, and several sorts of musick,
with the firing of great guns, and the repeated huzzas of a multitude of people,
afforded a very agreeable entertainment. About noon their Majesties came into
the City, attended by his Royal Highness, and a numerous train of Nobility and
Gentry in their coaches, the Militia of London and Westminster making a lane
for them, the balconies all along their passage being richly hung with lapistry, and
filled with spectators. Their Majesties were pleased, from a balcony prepared for
them in Cheapside, to see the Shew, which for the great number of the Citizens
of the several Guilds attending in their formalities, the full appearance of the
Artillery Company, the rich adornments of the Pageants and hieroglyphical repre-
sentations, and the splendour and good order of the whole proceeding, out-did all
that has been heretofore seen in this City upon the like occasions ; but that which
deserves to be particularly mentioned, was the Royal City Regiment of Volunteer
Horse, which being rich and gallantly accoutred, and led by the Right Hon. the
Earl of Monmouth, attended their Majesties from Whitehall into the City.
"The Cavalcade being passed by, the King and Queen were conducted by the
two Sheriffs to the Guildhall, where their Majesties, both Houses of Parliament,
the Privy Counsellors, the Judges, the Ladies of the Bedchamber, and other
Ladies of the chiefest quality, dined at several! tables ; and the grandeur and
magnificence of the Entertainment was suitable to so august and extraordinary a
presence. Their Majesties were extremely pleased ; and, as a mark thereof, the
King conferred Knighthood on the Sheriffs, Christopher Lethieullier and John
Houhlon,* esquires, as also upon two of the Aldermen, Edward Clarkf and
Francis Child, J esquires.
"In the evening their Majesties returned to Whitehall with the same state they
came. The Militia again lined the street, the City Regiments as far as Temple
Bar, and the red and blue Regiments of Middlesex and Westminster, from thence
to Whitehall, the soldiers having at convenient distances lighted flambeaux in
their hands. The houses were all illuminated, the bells ringing, and nothing was
omitted through the whole course of this day's solemnity either by the Magistrates
or people, that might shew their respect and veneration, as well as their dutiful
affection and loyalty to their Majesties, and the sense they have of the happiness
they enjoy under their most benign and gracious government."
Such were the proceedings of the Lord Mayor's day of 1689, and
so well was the Royal entertainment approved, that, as before re-
marked, it was recurred to in 1761, when their late Majesties were
expected to dine at Guildhall. A new edition of Taubman's Pageant
was then " published for the perusal of the several companies of
London, agreeable to the recommendation of the Right Hon. Sir
Matthew Blakiston, Knt., Lord Mayor, and the Court of Common
Council, held on Saturday the 3d of October, 1761, to the Livery
Companies of the said City, for the Entertainment of their present
Majesties, on Monday the gth day of November next, being the day
on which Sir Samuel Fludyer, Knt. and Bart, Lord Mayor elect, will
enter on his Mayoralty." So says the title-page of the second edition,
price (>d.
* Sir John Houblon was Lord Mayor in 1696. — Sir Christopher Lcthieullicr
was probably not an Alderman [see page 150].
t Sheriff in 1690, Lord Mayor in 1697.
I Sheriff in 1690, Lord Mayor in 1699.
London Pageants. 14;
In the year 1690, when Sir Thomas Pilkington was still continued
in the Chief Magistracy, I find no trace of any festivities.
In the following year, Elkanah Settle,* the last of the City Poets,
brought forth his first City Pageant, intituled :
54. " The Triumphs of London, performed on Thursday, Oct. 29,
1691, for the Entertainment of the Right Hon. Sir Thomas Stamp,
Knt., Lord Mayor of the City of London, containing a true descrip-
tion of the several Pageants, with the Speeches spoken on each
Pageant All set forth at the proper costs and charges of the Wor-
shipful Company of Drapers. By E[lkanah] S[ettle]. London,
printed by Alex. Milbourn, for Abel Roper, at the Mitre near Temple
Bar, 1691." 410., pp. 18. — A copy is in the British Museum [press
mark 605. c. 12] ; another in the Bodleian Library, presented by
Mr. Gough ; one was sold at Mr. Bindley's sale, Feb. 27, 1819, to
Mr. Rhodes for £2 is. ; and resold at Mr. Rhodes's sale, April 26,
1825, for £2 IOT. to Mr. Thorpe; another at Mr. Garrick's, with the
Pageant of 1612 (see p. io6)andanotherat Mr. Nassau's, March 9, 1824,
with that of 1675 (see p. 126). — There is nothing very remarkable in
the Gazette account of this Lord Mayor's day ; the King was at
Whitehall in a balcony on the water-side, to receive the obeisance of
the passing Citizens, and the dinner was at Guildhall,t where the
" persons of quality " were as numerous among the visitors as usual.
55. Settle's second Pageant was, " The Triumph of London, per-
formed on Saturday, Oct. 29, 1692, for the Entertainment of the
Right Hon. Sir John Fleet, Knt, Lord Mayor of the City of London ;
containing a true Description of the several Pageants, with the Speeches
spoken on each Pageant ; all set forth at the proper costs and charges
of the Worshipful Company of Grocers. Together with an exact
Relation of the most splendid Entertainments prepared for the re-
ception of their most sacred Majesties. By E. S., 1692," 410. — A
copy of this Pageant is in Mr. Gough's collection in the Bodleian
Library ; one was sold at Mr. West's sale in 1773, with No. 53 ; and
one at Mr. Bindley's, Feb. 27, 1819, for £i is. to Mr. Rhodes,
resold, April 26, 1825, to Mr. Thorpe for £2 $s. — There is, says Mr.
Gough in his " British Topography," p. 681, a drawing of the pro-
cession in the Pepysian library, as also of that of Sir Humphrey
Edwin in 1698. — The King had returned from Holland (through the
City) on the 2oth ; on the 22nd the Lord Mayor and Corporation
presented a congratulatory Address at Kensington ; the King then
knighted Sir Salathiel Lovel, the Recorder, and he, in the name of
the City, invited their Majesties to Guildhall on Lord Mayor's day,
which invitation they graciously accepted. The account of the day,
given by the London Gazette of Oct. 31, is so similar to that pub-
lished in 1689, and before quoted, that I need not repeat it. It tells
* He is well known as a most prolific scribbler. See the Biog, Dram,
t -See note in p. 133.
142 Social Manners and Customs.
us, that as the Civic Fleet "passed by Whitehall, the King and
Queen were graciously pleased to salute them from the balcony of
the Queen's apartment, which they returned with vollies of guns and
huzzas." The Lord Mayor is mentioned as riding from Black fryars
on horseback. Their Majesties went into the City about noon, and
as usual, saw the Show from a Cheapside balcony. The King made
several Knights, — Sir John Wildman, Sir William Gore,* Sir James
Houblon, Aldermen ; Sir Leonard Robinson, Chamberlain ; Sir
Rowland Ainsworth, Sir William Scowen, Sir Josiah Child, and Sir
John Foach (Merchants). [See Note 56.]
56. The next year produced " The Triumphs of London, per-
formed on Oct 30th, 1693, for the Entertainment cf the Right
Honourable Sir William Asriurst, Knight, Lord Mayor of the City
of London ; containing a true Description of the several Pageants,
with the Speeches spoken in each Pageant. All set forth at the
proper costs and charges of the Worshipful Company of Merchant-
Taylors. Together with the Festival Songs for his Lordship and
the Companies' diversion. By E[lkanah] S[ettle], 1693." Settle's
Pageants, particularly those he latterly published in folio, are rare ;
of this (in quarto) a copy was sold at Mr. West's sale, with No. 53 ;
and one (perhaps the same) at Mr. Bindley's sale, Feb. 27, 1819, for
£2 \2s. 6<i. to Mr. Rhodes. At Mr. Rhodes's sale, April 26, 1825,
this has produced £4 145. 6d. from Mr. Thorpe [see Note 57]. —
The account of the day, in the London Gazette, contains nothing re-
markable, except that the dinner was at Grocer's Hall.
57. The following year's Pageant was "The Triumphs of London,
performed on Oct. 29, 1694, for the Entertainment of Sir Thomas
Lane, Knt, Lord Mayor, etc, at the charge of the Worshipful Com-
pany of Clothworkers. By Elk. Settle, 1694," 410. — A copy of this
was sold with No. 53, at Mr. West's sale, but I have not traced it in
any recent catalogue [see Note 58]. — The London Gazette of Nov. i,
tells us that the Queen was pleased to be in the balcony at White-
hall, as the Water Show passed. The dinner was at Grocers' Hall.
58. The succeeding Lord Mayor's day produced " The Triumphs
of London, performed on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 1695, for the Entertain-
ment of the Right Honourable Sir John Houblon, Knt, Lord Mayor
of the City of London ; containing a true description of the several
Pageants, with the speeches spoken on each Pageant ; all prepared at
the proper costs and charges of the Worshipful Company of Grocers.
To which is added, a New Song on his Majesty's Return, f By
E[lkanah] Sfettle], 1695," 410. — Of this Pageant a copy was sold at
Mr. West's sale, with No. 53 ; and one at Mr. Bindley's sale, Feb.
* Sheriff in 1698, Lord Mayor in 1702. — I do not find that the Aldermen his
two companions were ever either Sheriff or Lord Mayor.
t From a long Progress in the midland counties, of which the London Gn/eHes
of the period give some curious particulars.
London Pageatits. 143
27, 1819, to Mr. Rhodes, for j£i 15^. [see Note 59]. — The Flying
Post of Oct. 29, describes the " three stately Pageants " which the
Grocers' Company caused to be made on this occasion, as " one re-
presenting a wilderness with trees of spices ; the second, a charriot
drawn by two griffins ; and the third, a drommaderry, as big as the
life." In the Gazette account of the day, there is nothing remarkable
but that the dinner was at Skinners' Hall, for which change from
Grocers' Hall, though the Lord Mayor was a Grocer, no reason is
assigned. Skinners' Hall was also used the two following years.*
Whether any Pageant was published in those two years, I have not
been able to ascertain ; if any were, their folio size may have con-
tributed to their extinction.
[1825, Part I., pp. 418-422.]
THE REIGN OF WILLIAM THE THIRD.
For the year 1696, when Sir Edward Clarke, Mercer, entered his
Mayoralty, I have found no Pageant. On Oct. 26, that year, the
Editor of the Protestant Mercury says :
" I am informed that his Majesty has excused his being present in the City on
the Lord Mayor's day, but 'tis said his Majesties coaches, drums, and trumpets
will be sent to attend his Lordship. 'Twas discoursed that there would be no
Pageants this year, but the same is a mistake, for the Show will be as splendid as
usual."
From this and passages in subsequent papers, everything seems to
have been conducted with the usual solemnity, the dinner being at
Skinners' Hall. The same Protestant Mercury contains the fol-
lowing curious advertisement written in prospectu of the Show :
"At the sign of the Bishop's Head, next door to the Nagg's Head Tavern in
Cheapside, London, you may be furnished with Livery gowns and hoods, both
budg and foins, new or second-hand ; and also have them made at reasonable
rates ; also, you may be furnished with foins gowns and scarlet hoods, for Rich
Hatchelors ; and black coats and gold chains, for Gentlemen Ushers ; by Thos.
l'urcell."t
The same costume is described by Jordan in his description of the
Procession in doggrell verse.
59. The existence of any Pageant for 1697, I have not exactly
ascertained. The Biographia Dramatica says, that Settle published
folio "Triumphs" for Sir Humphry Edwin, who was of the Skinners'
Company, and this year entered his Mayoralty, but erroneously at-
taches to them the date of 1698; and I have not traced a copy in
any Catalogue.
* See p. 133.
f The same man next week advertises "Ministers' gowns and cassocks, Livery
gowns and hoods, and all sorts of Lawyers' gowns, and Aldermen's for any Cor-
poration in England."
144 Social Manners and Customs.
As remarked in p. 141, Mr. Gough says in his British Topography,
that there is in the Pepysian Library a drawing of Sir Humphry
Edwin's Show; but Qu. is not this the Royal Entry which took place
in his Mayoralty? — -The Sheriffs, says the Post Boy of Oct. 28, went
to Whitehall on the 25th, to invite their Excellencies the Lords Jus-
tices [appointed as Regents in the King's absence] to the Lord
Mayor's Feast
A melancholy accident occurred on the Thames during the Show :
" A young man, who had the curiosity to see the Lord Mayor's passage from
London to Westminster, having hired a boat for that purpose, threw squibs into
other boats ; whence some being thrown also into his, one of 'em unfortunately
took hold of his pockets, where a great many were lodged, and taking fire, made
him a most miserable spectacle, before they could be extinguished." — The Flying
Post, Oct. 30.
The dinner was at Skinners' Hall, where " the Lord Mayor splen-
didly treated the Earls of Rumney, Portland, Stamford, my Lord
Conesby, and eight other Lords, with most of the Judges, Lords of
the Treasury, and Lords of the Admiralty." — Post Boy, Nov. 2.
The Triumphs of the Lord Mayor's Day were, however, soon fol-
lowed and eclipsed by the rejoicings for the Peace then lately con-
cluded with France, well known as the Treaty of Ryswick, and the
King's Public Entry into the City, on his Return from Holland. This
took place Nov. 16, 1697 ; and as, though not a Lord Mayor's
Pageant, it is strictly connected with London's Triumphs, and is
certainly to be classed with the Public Entries of James I. in 1603
and 1606, Charles I. in 1641, and Charles II. in 1661, all which I
have before noticed, I shall here introduce a slight sketch of its
festivities.
The Peace was proclaimed with all due solemnity on the zoth of
October ; first at Whitehall, then at Chancery-lane, then at Wood-
street, and a fourth time at the Exchange. The Cavalcade then
parted, and it was proclaimed by particular Heralds at White Chapel
Bars, Batley's-place, and Ratcliff Cross.
For some weeks previous to the King's Entry, which was at first
intended for his birthday, Nov. 4, but for some time protracted by
contrary winds detaining him abroad, the papers teem with on-dits
respecting the various preparations. Some of the most remarkable
of these, though partly false reports, will amuse the reader; and
some of the other notifications have been continued to a very recent
period :
"Last Thursday [Oct. 21] Sir Robert Clayton, and the Sheriffs of London,
were at Court to know whether the King would be pleased to give the Lord
Mayor and Aldermen leave to attend his Majesty through the City, on his return ;
and I * am told that his Majesty has accepted of their offer. Some say he will
sleep at Sir James Houblon'st house near Epping." — Post Boy, Oct. 23.
* The Editorial " We," it will be observed, was not as yet often adopted,
f One of the Aldermen.
London Pageants. 145
" We hear that the nobility, gentry, etc., in and about the City, design to meet
his Majesty at some distance out of town on horseback. And we hear his Majesty
will make his public Entry, in the same manner, upon the 4th of next month,
designing to lie the night before at the Earl of Rumney's lodgings at Greenwich."
—Flying Post, Oct. 26.
"Most of the Lords, both Spiritual and Temporal, are come to Court, oral
their seats near this City ; Members of Parliament come also daily to town in
great numbers, intending to see the splendid show of his Majesty going thro' the
City, which will far surpass that of the Restoration." — Protestant Mercury,
Oct. 27.
" On Wednesday night, Oct. 27, precepts were issued by the Lord Mayor for all
the scavengers of the City to attend him on Thursday morning, which accordingly
they did, and his Lordship gave them strict charge for keeping all those streets of
London clean that day his Majesty rides thro' the City, and to be watchful that
neither coach, wagon, cart, nor dray be seen on that day in those streets on severe
penalties. — 'Tis ordered also for all the balconies thro' the abovesaid streets to be
hung with tapistry, Turkey carpets, etc.- — This day all the Lord Mayor's Officers
and Serjeants, etc., received new gowns. — His Royal Highness Prince George, at
the head of 1,000 gentlemen all on horseback, richly habited, with a noble retinue
and attendance, intend to meet his Majesty, and compliment him some miles out
of town. I am informed-the 500 Ladies, all of them on white palfries, with rich
embroidered vesls and feather caps, headed by a person of quality of the same sex,
intend to do the like."— Prot. Merc. Oct. 29.
"I am told that the Turners have prepared a punch-bowle of Lignum Vita,
which holds twelve gallons, which will be placed at the head of their Company ;
over which is a cestern, which holds double the quantity, with seven brass cocks
in it to let the same out, to <mnk his Majesty's health that day he rides thro' the
City, and at top nine boys in ebbony, lignum vita:, and displaying colours."—
Prot. Merc. Nov. 3.
"They are paving the streets through which his Majesty is to pass ; and 'tis,
said that they will be gravelled and boarded the night before the cavalcade. They
are building scaffolds all over the City, from whence the great and glorious Show
may be seen ; and one of them was let on Wednesday for 25 guineas, to a person,
to make what advantage he can of it."* — Foreign Post, Nov. 5.
" The Committee of Aldermen have regulated the station of the six Companies
of the City Trained Bands, and of the City Companies ; three Companies of the
Trained Hands are to line both sides of the streets from Aldgate or the Tower, as
far as Walbrook ; and the City Companies are to line from Walbrook to St.
Paul's, both sides of the streets being rallied ; and the other three Companies of
the Trained Bands are to line both sides of the streets from St. Paul's to Temple
Bar. Sir William Ashurstt is appointed by the Lieutenancy of London to lead
the Artillery Company, that are to be very gay. — We hear that her Royal High-
ness the Princess of Denmark has taken a standing at a draper's house in Corn-
hill."— Foreign Post, Nov. 8.
"The Earl of Sunderland, Lord Chamberlain of his Majesty's household, has
ordered all his Majesty's messengers to wear white feathers in their hats, which
are to be edged with gold lace, to appear in blue apparel on horseback, and to
rendezvous in St. Margaret's Fields in Southwark, upon his Majesty's arrival at
Greenwich, in order to attend his Majesty through the City. — Great quantities of
gravel are laid all along the Strand and about Whitehall, to be laid in the streets."
— Flying Post, Nov. 13.
" 'Tis computed that above ten thousand people are come to town, from all
parts of the Kingdom, to see," etc. — Post Boy, Nov. 13.
" His Grace the Duke of Somerset hath ordered the front of Northumberland
* Advertisements for standings abound in all the papers,
f Alderman ; see p. 142.
10
146
Social Manners and Customs,
House* to be hung with rich carpets, and great illuminations to be made there in
the evening." — Flying Post, Nov. 16.
At last, on the I4th of November, the King landed at Margate,
slept that night at Canterbury, dined on the following day at Sitting-
bourne, and arrived at his palace of Greenwich in the evening, where
he was met by the Lords Justices, the Privy Council, his Secretaries
of State, etc. His public Entry was made the following day :
" He came from Greenwich about 10 o'clock, in his coach with Prince George
and the Earl of Scarborough ; attended by fourscore other coaches, each driven by
six -horses. The Archbishop of Canterbury came next to the King, the Lord
Chancellor after him, then the Dukes of Norfolk, Devon, Southampton,
Grafton, Shrewsbury, and all the principal Noblemen. Some Companies of Foot
Grenadiers went before, the Horse Grenadiers followed, as did the Horse Life-
guards, and some of the Earl of Oxford's Horse ; the Gentlemen of the Band of
Pensioners were in Souihwark, but did not march on foot ; the Yeomen of the
Guard were about the King's Coach.
" On St. Margaret's Hill in Southwark the Lord Mayor met his Majesty, where,
on his knees, he delivered the Sword, which his Majesty returned, ordering him
to carry it before him. Then Mr. Recorder made a Speech suitable to the occa-
sion, after which the cavalcade commenced.
"A detachment of about 100 of the City Trained Bands in buff coats and red
feathers in their hats, preceded : then followed two of the King's coaches, and one
of Prince George's ; then two City Marshals on horseback, with their six men on
foot in new liveries ; then the six City Trumpets on horseback ; then the Sheriffs'
Officers on foot, with their halberds and javelins in their hands ; then the Lord
Mayor's Officers in black gowns ; then the City Officers on horseback, each
attended by a servant on foot, vis., the four Attorneys, the Solicitor and Remem-
brancer, the two Secondaries, ihe Comptroller, the Common Pleaders, the two
Judges, the Town Clerk, the Common Serjeant, and the Chamberlain ; then the
Water Bailiff on horseback, carrying the City Banner ; the Common Crier and
Sword-bearer, the last in his goivn of black damask and gold chain, each with a
servant ; then those who have fined for Sheriffs or Aldermen, or have served as
such, according to their seniority, in scarlet, two and two, on horseback ; the two
Sheriffs on horseback, with their gold chains and white staffs, with two servants
apiece ; then the Aldermen below the chair on horseback, in scarlet, each
attended by his Beadle and two servants ; then the Recorder in scarlet on horse-
back, with two servants ; next the Aldermen above the chair, in scarlet, on horse-
back, wearing their gold chains, each attended by his Beadle and four servants ;
then followed the State all on horseback, uncovered, viz., the Knight Marshall
with a foot-man on each side ; then the Kettle-drums, the Drum Major, the
King's Trumpets, the Serjeant Trumpet with his mace ; then followed the Pur-
suivants at Arms, Heralds of Arms, Kings of Arms, with the Serjeants at Arms
on each side, bearing their maces, all bare headed, and each attended with a ser-
vant ; then the LORD MAYOR OK LONDON on horseback, in a crimson velvet
gown, with a collar and jewel, bearing the City sword by his Majesty's permission,
with four footmen in liveries ; Clarenceaux King at Arms supplying the place of
Garter King at Arms on his right hand, and one of the Gentlemen Ushers supply-
ing the place of the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod on his left hand, each
with two servants ; then came HIS MAJESTY in a rich coach, followed by a
strong party of Horseguards ; then followed the Nobility, Judges, etc., according
to their ranks and qualities, there being between two and three hundred coaches,
with six horses.
* Which he had obtained together with his Duchess Elizabeth, daughter of the
last Earl of Northumberland.
London Pageants.
"The cavalcade proceeded in this manner over the Bridge [then the only one],
along Cheapside, Fleet-Street, and the Strand, to Whitehall, the windows and
balconies being hung with rich carpets, and the conduits running with wine. One
of the Blue-coat boys of Christ's Hospital, who were posted in St. Paul's Church-
yard, as his Majesty passed by made an elegant Speech in Latin.* The streets
were lined in Southwark by the Militia of Surrey, assisted by the Militia of the
Tower Hamlets ; from the Bridge to Walbrook by three Regiments of the City
Militia ; from thence to St. Paul's Church-yard by the Liveries of the several
Companies, with their banners and ensigns displayed ; thence to Temple Bar by
the three other Regiments of the City ; and thence to Whitehall by the Militia of
Middlesex, and his Majesty's own Guards.
"Arriving at Whitehall Gate, the Lord Mayof, accompanied as before, attended
the King to the foot of the stairs in Whitehall leading to the Guardchamber, where
humbly taking leave of his Majesty, his Lords-hip and the Alderman were conducted
to the Uxlgings of the Earl of Devon, the Lord Steward, and there entertained with
a noble supper.
" His Majesty was pleased to accept of a splendid Entertainment from the Earl
of Portland ; and then went to Kensington, St. James's Park l>eing lined with four
battalions of the 1st, 2d, and 3d Regiments of Footguards, the Earl of Rumney's
Regiment lining the streets about Whitehall.
"The whole ceremony was performed with great order; the cannon at the
Tower were discharged at his Majesty's taking coach, and at his passing over the
Bridge ; the Footguards gave three volleys in St. James's Park j and the evening
concluded with bon-fires, illuminations, ringing of bells, and all other demonstra-
tions of joy." — London Gazette, Flying Post, Post Boy, Prot. Mer. etc.
"On Wednesday the I7th the Sheriffs of London waited upon his Majesty at
Kensington, to know his pleasure when he would be attended by the City. He
was pleased to appoint the following day, and accordingly the Lord Mayor, Alder-
men, etc., went to Kensington, where Mr. Recorder in a handsome Speech con-
gratulated his Majesty's safe arrival, etc., in the name of the City, and his Majesty
was pleased to receive them with great respect, and to confer the honour of Knight-
hood on Robert Hedingfield, Esq., Alderman,t and on Thomas Cuddon, Esq., the
Chamberlain." — Post Boy, Nov. 20.
"The Lord Mayor, it's said, acquainted the King on Thursday last, that the
City Loan was compleated, and requested his Majesty's presence at the opening of
the Choir of St. Paul's on the Thanksgiving Day."J- Flying Post, Nov. 20.
I should greatly multiply my extracts, were I here to introduce
any description of the splendid fireworks, which, at a vast expense,
were exhibited before the King on the night of " the Thanksgiving.
Day," in St. James's Square, and formed a prominent feature in the
festivities on this occasion, being accompanied by a general illumina-
tion. This, besides, would be diverging too far from my subject
60. In 1698 was published in folio, with plates, "Glory's Resur-
rection ; being the Triumphs of London revived, for the Inauguration
of the Right Honourable Sir Francis Child, Knt., Lord Mayor of the
City of London ; containing a description (and also the Sculptures)
of the Pageants, and the whole solemnity of the day. All set forth
at the proper cost and charge of the Honourable Company of Gold-
* On this subject see before, p. 131.
t Sheriff in 1702, Lord Mayor in 1707.
J It was on that day, Dec. 2, 1697, that the Choir was first opened for divine
service; the King was not present; — ihe Lord Major was, and the Bishop of
London preached.
JO — 2
148 Social Manners and Customs.
smiths. Publish'd by Authority. London, printed for R. Barnham
in Little Britain, 1698." The dedications to Sir Francis Child and
to the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, are signed E. Settle. —
This Pageant is one of those unnoticed by the Biographia Drainatica.
A copy of it, perhaps unique, was sold at Mr. Bindley's sale, Dec. 17,
1818, and purchased by Mr. Triphook for ^4 141. dd. [see Note 60].
— The Protestant Mercury of Oct. 28 this year declares,
" It's said for certain, that the several Ambassadors here in town intend to come
into the City to see the Lord Mayor's Show, and have taken places accordingly. —
The Life Guards and Horse Grenadiers are ordered to attend the Lords Justices*
on Saturday next into the City to dine with the Lord Mayor."
From the London Gazette of Oct. 31, we find the day was cele-
brated with marked respect. The Civic Fleet, instead of embarking
their honourable freight at Blackfriars as usual, stopped at Dorset
Stairs, where, chairs being placed for the Lord Mayor and Aldermen,
they were entertained by the Earl of Dorset with sweetmeats and
wine, the King's music playing all the while. The dinner, too, was
at Guildhall, as if Royalty itself had been present. "The Act of
Parliament against throwing of squibs was strictly observed on this
occasion." — The Protestant Mercury of Nov. 2, omitting any account
of the Civic Feast, in its place gives the following ridiculous para-
graph :
" "Pis said that last Saturday near twenty beggars had a noble treat at Pimlico,
where they trolled the bowl merrily about, and drank healths to the new Lord
Mayor, assuring one another that they shall have no need this year to pawn their
clutches to pay their fees in BrideweL
6 1. In 1699 Settle published "The Triumphs of London, for the
Inauguration of the Right Honourable Sir Richard Levett, Knt.,
Lord Mayor of the City of London ; containing a description of the
Pageants, together with the Public Speeches, and the whole solemnity
of the day. Performed on Monday, the 3oth day of October, 1699.
All set forth at the proper cost of the Honourable Company of
Haberdashers. Published by Authority. London, printed for A.
Baldwin, 1699," fol.— A copy was sold at Mr. Bindley's sale, Feb. 14,
1819, for^6 6s. to Mr. Hibbert; one at Mr. Rhodes's sale, April 28,
1825, to Mr. Thorpe, for £2 3.?. [see Note 61]. — From the London
Gazette, Nov. 2, this year, we find that the City Revellers again landed
at Dorset Stairs, and dined ac Guildhall.
" A gentleman going to see the choir, was so far engaged in a crowd, that he
lost his hat, wig, sword, neckcloth, and money, before he could disengage him-
self."— Prot. Merc. Nov. I.
Though near the conclusion of my list, I am obliged here again to
break off; but cannot omit my promised account of the prices pro-
duced by the Pageants sold at the late celebrated sale of Mr. Rhodes's
* The King was again in Holland.
London Pageants. 149
large dramatic collection. The number of Pageants which appeared
on this occasion was nineteen. The prices produced by the latter
six have already been told ; the following short table of the former
thirteen will illustrate the rise in value which this species of publica-
tion has undergone even in the few last years. The first column
gives the date of the Pageants, the second the prices Mr. Rhodes
gave for those he bought at Mr. Bindley's sale, the third the present
purchaser, and the fourth his price :
£ s. d. £ s. d.
1619 I o o Mr. Harding 460
1629 Mr. Thorpe 260
1637 440 Mr. Thorpe 990
1655 ' o ° Mr- Jolley 3 18 o
l6bl 200 Mr. Thorpe 411 o
1663 ill 6 Mr. Thorpe 3 10 o
1664 in 6 Mr. Thorpe 3 15 o
'f* I 2 3 o Mr. Thorpe )
copTes j 2 5 o (one copy, ( 4
1680 Mr. Harding 500
1684 * Mr. Thorpe 490
1685 in 6 Mr. Thorpe 3 15 o
1686 I II 6 Mr. Thorpe 4 18 o
1687 * Mr. Thorpe 2 13 o
Among the above, it will be perceived, is one Pageant which had
hitherto escaped my notice, — -that for 1629 ; it should be inserted
between Nos. 16 and 17 of my list. It was by the prolific Dekker,
the author of that of 1612, and was entitled "London's Tempe or
the Field of Happiness, in which Field are planted several Trees of
Magnificence, State, and Bewty, to celebrate the solemnity of the
Right Honorable James Campebell, at his Inauguration into the
Honorable Office of Pnetorship or Maioralty of London, on Thurs-
day, the 29th of October, 1629. All the particular Inuentions for
the Pageants, Showes of Triumph, both by water and land being
here fully set downe. At the sole cost, and liberal! charges of the
Right Worshipfull Society of Ironmongers. Written by Thomas
Dekker, 1629," 410. — Two leaves are in manuscript. [See Note 33.]
Other works which I have mentioned in the course of my list were
sold as follows: Dekker's Entertainment through the City in 1603,
to Mr. Leigh, for £i(> ; Jonson's portion of the same, with his Enter-
tainment at Althorpe, to Mr. Thorpe, for ^4 i6.r. ; Chester's Triumph,
by Rob. Amerie, 1610, to Mr. Thorpe, £8 i2s. ; Civitatis Amor, by
Tho. Middleton, 1616, to Mr. Harding, for ^5 55. ; England's Com-
fort and London's Joy, by Taylor the Water Poet> 1641, to Mr.
Jolley, for £(> 8s. 6d. ; the poetical part of London's Glory, by
Tatham, 1660, to Mr. Thorpe, for £1 is. ; Ogilby's Entertainment
* The Pageants of 1684 and 1687, as has been shewn in pp. 135, 137, are very
scarce.
150 Social Manners and Customs.
ot the King through the City of London, printed at Edinburgh, 1661,
to Messrs. Harding & Co. for _^i 25. ; another copy, and Tatham's
Aqua Triumphalis, bound together, to Mr. Harding, for £2 15^.
P.S. — Sir Chr. Lethieullier (see p. 140) mas an Alderman, elected for Cole-
man-st. Ward, Oct. 9, 1688 ; but he died in 1690, not having attained the Civic
Chair.
[1825, Parti., pp. 593-595-1
THE REIGNS OF KING WILLIAM AND QUEEN ANNE.
"Search all chronicles, histories, and records in what" language or letter soever ;
let the inquisitive man waste the deere treasures of his time and eye-sight, he shall
conclude his life only in this certainty, that there is no subject upon earth received
into the place of his government with the like state and magnificence as is the
Lord Maior of the Citty of London." — Triumphs of Truth, 1613.
We have the authority of Oldys * that Settle published, in folio,
62. " The Triumphs of London, for the Inauguration of Sir Thomas
Abney, knt., at the cost of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers,
Oct. 29, 1700 : published by Authority." — I have not, however, traced
any copy of this. The Citizens this year again disembarked at Dorset-
stairs ; " at their landing they were nobly entertained by the Earl of
1 >orset with sweetmeats and wine. They proceeded on horseback
with the usual solemnity to Guildhall." (Lond. Gaz. Oct. 31.)
" On this occasion there were in Cheapside five fine Pagents, and a person rode
before the cavalcade in armour, wilh a dagger in his hand, representing Sir Wil-
liam Walworth, the head of the rebel Watt. Tyler being carried on a pole before
him. This was the more remarkable, by reason that story has not been before
represented these 40 years, none of the Fishmongers' Company happening to be
Lord Mayor since."t— Post Boy, Oct. 31.
63. The following year produced " The Triumphs of London, for
Sir William Gore, 1701. By Elkanah Settle," fol. — The only copy I
have traced of this is Mr. Gough's in the Bodleian Library. — The
newspaper accounts of the day contain nothing remarkable, except
that the Earl of Dorset's invitation was discontinued, and the Citizens
accordingly landed at Blackfriars.
64. That Settle published any " Triumphs " in 1702,} I have not
* "See in Alexander Oldys's Fair Extravagant, or Humourous liride, a Novel,
1682, I2ino, what he says of Settle's being made City Poet." — Oldys's MS. Notes
on Lattgbaine, Any Correspondent communicating the matter referred to, would
be conferring a favour.
f The last Chief Magistrate of that Company had been Thomas Andrews in
the time of the Commonwealth, 1651, when we have reason to presume that no
Pageants were exhibited.
J He adopted in that year a civic subject, "Carmen Trenirum ; the Happy
Union of the two East India Companies, an hcioic Poem," fol. published 2j
March, 1 702.
London Pageants. 151
ascertained with certainty. In Egerton's Catalogue of Old Flays for
1790, Nos. 487 and 488 seem to be two copies of the Pageant for this
year, but I have found none elsewhere mentioned. — Sir Samuel
Uashwood, Vintner, this year entered his Mayoralty, and the Queen,
it being the first Lord Mayor's Day in her reign, honoured the Civic
Banquet with her presence.
" Her Majesty came into the City about two p.m. in a purple coach drawn by
eight curious horses, the harnesses of which were all purple and white ; the
Countess of Marlboroufih and another lady sitting backwards. A numerous train
of coaches followed, with her Majesty's Ladies and Maids of Honour, the Louis
of the Privy Council, the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Judges, and
several other noblemen. A lane was made for them to Temple Bar by the
Militia of Westminster, and from thence to Ludgate by the City Trained Hands,
and so to Guildhall by the Companies of the several Liveries of the City. All the
balconies were hung with rich tapestry.
"As her Majesty came by St. Paul's, a great number of children belonging to
the several workhouses were placed on scaffolds, and one of 'em made a Speech
to her Majesty ; as did also one of the poor children of Christ Church Hospital.*
" At the corner of Watling-street, the Vintners' Champion made a Speech to
the Lord Mayor, to which his Lordship return'd thanks by a bow. There were
live Pageants to grace this solemnity ; one representing a Fountain running with
wine, one a Tavern, one a Triumphant Chariot, one a Galley, and one a Temple.
There were several other curiosities, which I have not room to insert.
" Her Majesty was pleased, from a balcony in Cheapside, to see the Cavalcade;
the Lord Mayor and Aldermen as they passed by paid their obeisance to her.
Her Majesty being conducted by the two Sheriffs to the Guildhall, the Lord
Mayor surrendered to her the Sword, which she was pleased to return to his
Lordship, who carried it before her to the apartments appointed for her reception,
and afterwards to the table when her Majesty was pleased to dine. Several ladies
of the greatest quality, by her Majesty's appointmenl, had the honour to dine with
her at the same table. His Royal Highness being that day somewhat indisposed,
was not present, as otherwise he intended to be. Her Majesty conferred the
honour of Knighthood upon Gilbert Heathcote, esq., Alderman, Francis Dash-
wood, James Eyton, and Richard Hoare, esqrs. In the evening her Majesty
returned to Whitehall with the same state she came ; the streets were again lined
with Trained Bands, the houses were illuminated, and the people expressed their
joy with zealous and repeated acclamations." — London Gaz., Postman, and
London Post.
Poor Elkanah's " Triumphs ".were now nearly past, both in his
public and his private career. For five years he seems not to have been
encouraged in his civic task ; or if he produced any Pageant between
1702 and 1708, every copy appears from their folio size to be lost.
In the latter year Settle was again employed, but it was for the last
time. His production is entitled,
65. "The Triumphs of Ixmdon for the Inauguration of the Right
Honourable Sir Charles Buncombe, knt., Lord Mayor of the City of
London; containing the description (and also the sculptures) of the
Pageants, and the whole Solemnity of the day, performed on Friday
the agth of October, anno 1 708. All set forth at the proper cost
* See pp. iji, M7.
152 Social Manners and Customs.
and charge of the honourable Company of Goldsmiths. Published
by Authority. London, printed for and to be sold by A. Baldwin,
at the Oxford Anns in Warwick-lane, lyoS/'fol. The only copy of
this, however, which I know to be in existence, is that presented by
Mr. Gough to the Bodleian Library, and which (as appears by his
British Topography) is deficient in the three plates. [See Note 62.]
This last effort was unfortunately, at least so for poor Settle, put a
stop to by the death of Prince George of Denmark ; and here my
task is completed.
My list of " London Pageants " contains in all (including that for
the year 1629, noticed in p. 149), notices of sixty-six of these rare
publications. In this number are also embraced those for 1697 and
1702, whose existence is rather doubtful.
To the list printed in the Biographia Dramatica, besides having
given the titles in general more fully and often more correctly, I have
added seven articles, — the Pageants of 1588, 1617, 1629, 1635, 1697,
and 1702. That some others may be hereafter discovered, both of
the period of the first James and Charles, and of the equally scarce
folio productions of Settle,* is highly probable. The articles I have
deducted from the ranks of the Biographia Dramatica, are in number
eight, but none have escaped notice in my intercalary remarks.
The last time any Pageants were exhibited in London was on Lord
Mayor's Day, Nov. 9, 1761, when their late Majesties dined at
Guildhall. As already remarked in p. 140, the formalities of 1689
were on that occasion adopted as precedents. All the solemnities of1
1761 (including the Pageants) were described at the time in the
Historical -Chronicle of Sylvanus Urban, accompanied by a large
engraving of the Dinner in Guildhall (see vol. xxxi. p. 548). There
* This is the more likely, if, as asserted in the Biographia Dramatics, Settle
had "a regular salary." Hut that appears doubtful, belief being given to the
assertion in the follow ing lines, frum a Satire called " The 1'oet's Address to the
Hon. Sir Charles Duncomb, Knt. and Alderman," 1700. fol. After an attack on
the Mayor and Citizens fur some parsimonious acts, the Poet says :
" Were we to vote, I certainly do think
We should elect such as would make us drink ;
Such as would give us meat without disdain,
The fittest props to fortify the brain :
Deny us such assistance, Sirs, and then
Poets as stupid are as other men ;
They dully will the Muses' chariot draw,
As for example, — Brother Elkanah,
Who long time has from rules of reason swerv'd,
And underneath his glorious Pageants starv'd ;
Who mounts no nigher than a few dull speeches,
Not from his brain, but voided in his breeches ;
And those the best, upon a poet's word,
lie can from such encouragement afford."
* lly Mr. Sotheby, May 24 [1825] and nine following days.
London Pageants. 153
were, however, no songs or speeches delivered from the Pageants ;
though the senior Scholar at Christ's Hospital delivered an Oration
at St. Paul's, which was followed by the National Anthem of God Save
the King, from the same quarter.
I trust to be excused, if, on the completion of my list, I repeat the
dates of those Pageants of the reign of James I., which I still want
for my " Progresses and Public Processions " of that King ; — they
are those for 1611, 1612, 1614, 1617, and 1624. An accurate
transcript of that for 1619, "The Sun in Aries," of which I have
traced no printed original, I lately purchased for £2 2s. at the sale
of the library of James Boswell, Esq.* It is in the hand-writing of
Mr. Malone, but from whence derived does not appear.
Two publications of Tatham, which I should have mentioned in
p. 122, had I then met with them, were these : " Neptune's Address
to his most sacred Majesty Charles, King of England, Scotland,
France, and Ireland ; congratulating his happy Coronation cele-
brated April 21, 1661, in several designations and shews upon the
water before Whitehall, at his Majesty's return from the land triumphs.
By J. Tatham, 1661," fol. "The Entertainment of the King and
Queen by the City of London on the Thames, exprest and set forth
in several shews and pageants, the 3d of April. By J. Tatham, gent.
1662." [See Note 63.]
J. NICHOLS.
On the Holiday Times of Old.
[1824, Part I., pp. 227-229.]
• , " Christians in old time did rejoice
And feast at this blest tide."— OLD CAROL.
The following Remarks on the Holiday Times of Old, which occur
in a Review of Mr. Davies Gilbert's " Christmas Carols," in a recent
Number of the "Literary Gazette" [Jan. 31, 1824], will, we think, be
deemed so generally interesting, that we hope to be forgiven by our
intelligent Contemporary for borrowing them from his columns.
EDIT.
Though we know not whether our querulous grumblings will meet
with sympathy from any of our readers, we cannot refrain from utter-
ing our grievances at the sad effects of an over-civilized population.
The time is just passed when we so emphatically wish each other
" a merry Christmas, and a happy new year when it comes ;" and We
154 Social Manners and Customs.
by no means deny that in many parts of the town eating and drink-
ing, and conviviality in general, are much encouraged at this season.
But, alas ! the neglect and consequent decline of good old customs
trouble us much. In vain do we look for " The jolly Wassel-Bowl,"
and "The Bore's Heade," — "with garlandes gay and rosemary."
Popular superstitions and customs may generally be traced back to
Heathen times, for on their rites and mysteries were many of the
Catholic ceremonies afterwards engrafted ; and to the Saturnalia we
are, or rather our ancestors were, probably indebted for some of our
Christmas pastimes. The Reformation first injured their popularity,
and the age of Puritanism gave them a fresh shock. It was even
ordered by Parliament, Dec. 24, 1652, "That no observation shall
be had of the five and twentieth day of December, commonly called
Christmas Day; nor any solemnity used or exercised in churches
upon that day in respect thereof." They now appear to be neglected
by society in proportion to its degree of polish ; and in the metro-
polis and its immediate neighbourhood, are little encouraged by the
higher classes, and but partially by the middling ranks, while among
the lower portion of the people they frequently degenerate into de-
bauchery. In the country, especially in the far western and northern
counties, Christmas is yet kept up with much spirit; the yule-log
still crackles on the hearth, and " the sirloins of beef, the minced
pies, the plum-porridge, the capons, turkeys, geese, and plum-pud-
dings," smoke upon the hospitable board. Each master of a family,
like the old courtier in the ballad, appears to have
"... a good old fashion, when Christmasse is come,
To call in all his old neighbours with bagpipe and drum,
With good cheer enough to furnish every old room,
And old liquor able to make a cat speak, and man dumb."
"O ! rus, quando te aspiciam." Yet even there the hand of im-
provement has been active, and some valuable relic of ancient fes-
tivities is occasionally ushered from the parlour to the kitchen, never
more to return. The decoration of houses and churches with ever-
greens is continued, however, in London ; nor is there a deficiency,
to the best of our experience, in the demands for Christmas boxes ; the
original intention of which was probably to enable the poor to par-
take of the festivities of the season, from the gratuities of their more
wealthy fellow-creatures — and, God forbid ! that, while feasting our-
selves, we should not assist our poor neighbours and dependants to
enjoy themselves. Certain nocturnal wandering minstrels occasion-
ally disturb the slumbers of the citizens for about a month prior to
Christmas, calling themselves Waits ; but, " alack the day !" instead
of playing and singing the good old Carol, our ears are saluted with
Roy's Wife, St Patrick's Day, or the latest Quadrille tune. Our
author bears witness that in many parts of the country, especially in
The Holiday Times of Old. 155
the West, the Carol is still preserved, and is sung in the parish
churches on Christmas Day, the singers also going about to the
different houses blithely caroling such cheering tunes as, " A Child
this day is born " — " Sit you, merry gentlemen " — " I saw three ships
come sailing in," etc., etc* In London, excepting some croaking
ballad-singer bawling out "God rest you, merry gentlemen," or a
like doggrel, nothing in the shape of Carols is heard, though there is
a considerable sale of them among the lower classes. Look at the
following list of Christmas amusements, given by Burton in his
Anatomy of Melancholy, now superseded by Pope-Joan, Blind Man's
Buff, and Fuss in the Corner : — " The ordinary recreations which we
have in winter, are cardes, tables and dice, shovel-board, chesse-
play, the philosopher's game, small trunkes, billiards, musicke,
maskes, singing, dancing, ule-games, catches, purposes, questions,
merry tales of errant knights, kings, queens, lovers, lords, ladies,
giants, dwarfs, thieves, fairies, goblins, friars, witches, and the rest"
As to mummers and Christmas Plays, unless Grimaldi and the pan-
tomimes be considered as relics, we know not where to find them,
in or near the metropolis ; though formerly a Lord of Misrule, or
Christmas Prince, was chosen, even in the highest families and most
learned establishments ; — witness the records of their proceedings in
the Gesta Grayorum,+ and the account of the Christmas Prince at
Oxford, A.D. 1607 ; even our kings used to join in these sports.
Mummers, guisardes or guise-dancers (commonly called geese-
dancers), may, as we noticed in our review of the first edition, yet be
seen in the country ; and the story of St. George and the Dragon
and the Fair Sabra is annually repeated, enlivened with the frolics of
Old Father Christmas, and the Doctor, who cures " each deep and
deadly wound " of the combatants, coming for that purpose
"... from the furthermost part of Spain,
With a little bottle of alicutnpain."
These guise-dancers are profusely decorated with ribands, each carry-
ing a naked sword, with the exception of the Fair Sabra, who is
modestly clad in female attire ; and Old Father Christmas and the
Doctor, who are the Pantaloon and Clown of the Piece, the former
being generally disguised by a frightful mask. Even in this exhibi-
tion, we have been mortified by hearing some modern rhodomon-
tades introduced about Buonaparte and the Duke of Wellington, and
once (horresco referens !) was favoured with the Typitywitchet by way
of epilogue. [See Folk-Lore Record, vol. iii., pp. 87-116.]
We confess that we have sometimes been almost reconciled to the
* By the by, Mr. Gilbert does not include any of these in his collection of
twenty. — EDIT.
t See "Nichols's Progresses of Queen Elizabeth'' (new and improved edition),
vol. iii. 262-348.
156 Social Manners and Customs.
manner in which the Twelfth-day is kept up, and pleasing visions of
Christmas plays and gambols have come before us; yet it is not
quite as it should be. This day has long been observed with great
festivities, in most parts of Europe, to commemorate Melchior,
Jasper, and Balthazar, the three Magi, or kings, who came from the
East to Bethlehem to worship our Saviour, on the twelfth day from
his Nativity; having occupied the intervening time in travelling,
being miraculously directed and supported, and requiring neither
sleep nor refreshment It is well known that they respectively offered
gold, myrrh, and frankincense ; and a similar offering is still made
on the part of our King, at the Chapel Royal. Among the gold
presented were, according to tradition, thirty of the identical pieces
given by Abraham for the cave of Machpelah, which, after passing
through different hands, had come into the possession of Melchior ;
subsequently they were paid to Judas for betraying our Saviour. The
whole tradition is curious ; and the manner of reconciling the term
" pieces of silver," with this money coined from the purest gold of
Arabia, ingenious, but foreign to our present purpose. It was for-
merly, as is well known, the custom to put a bean into a cake made
of flour, honey, ginger, and pepper ; sometimes a pea was added for
the Queen. The cake was then divided into several portions, allow-
ing one for our Saviour, one for the Virgin, and the same for the
three Kings (which were all given to the poor), and one portion for
each of the company ; the happy man who found the bean in his
share, was installed King for the evening, and chose the Ministers
of State, Maids of Honour, etc. In later times the bean was dis-
used, and tickets were prepared, inscribed with the name of King,
Ministers, etc., who were thus chosen by lot At present, it is true
that the characters of King and Queen are drawn for, but instead of
Ministers, etc., being chosen by. them or by lot, we have burlesque
cards for Billy Button, Polly Wryneck, and such silly incongruous
personages. To get rid of these, and nominate their wonted prede-
cessors, is now the most ingenious way to make a Twelfth Night fes-
tival agreeable and eatertaining.
Stage Plays in Churches.
[1799, Part II., p. 654.]
In the year 1348, John Trillock, bishop of Hereford, writes, that
whereas stage-playes used to be acted in the churches, which should
rather be, as Christ saith, a house of prayer, by which playes, and
other appertenances to their jests, the hearts of the faithful are drawn
aside to vanityes, we command and enjoyne that forthwith all playes
and interludes be forborn in churches, and especially in church,
where such dishonest doings, we understand, are frequently performed,
upon the paine of cursing and excommunication.
Harl. MS. 6726, f. 172, b.
Drinking B^^mpers. 157
Drinking Bumpers.
[1759, pp. 270-272.]
The jolly toper is so fond of the thing we call a bumper, that he
troubles not himself about the name, and so long as the liquor is but
fine and clear, cares not a farthing in how deep an obscurity the
etymology is involved. The sober antiquarian, on the contrary, being
prone to etymology, contemplates the sparkling contents of a full
glass with much less delight than he does the meaning, the occasion,
and the original of the name. I, sir, who profess myself to be one of
the latter tribe, am for discarding the vulgar original of the name,
and for substituting something more plausible in its place. The
common opinion (I call it the common opinion because I have heard
it from so many), is that the bumper took its name from the grace-
cup; our Roman Catholic ancestors, say they, after their meals,
always drinking the Pope's health in this form, au ban Pere. But
there are great objections to this ; as, first, the Pope was not the bon
Pere, but the Saint Pere, amongst the elder inhabitants of this king-
dom, the attribute of sanctity being in a manner appropriated to the
Pope of Rome and his see. Again, the grace-cup, which went round
of course after every repast, did not imply anything extraordinary, or
a full glass. Then, thirdly, let us consider a little the nature of the
grace-cup. Drinking-glasses were not in use at the time here supposed,
for the grace-cup was a large vessel, proportioned to the number of
the society, which went round the table, the guests drinking out of the
same cup one after another ; Virgil describes something like it, when,
speaking of the entertainment Queen Dido gave to ^neas, he says,
" Postquam prima quies epulis, mensaeque remotce :
Crateras magnos statuunt, et vina coronnnt.
* * # * *
Hie regina gravem gemmis auroque poposcit
Implevituue mero pateram.
*****
Primaque, libato, summo tenus attigit ore
Turn Bitise dec! it increpitans; ille impiger hausit
Spumantem pateram, et pleno se proluit auro,
Post alii proceres."- — [^iNEiD lib. i. 723-740.]
The feast was ended, the cup went round after it, and the health was,
That Jupiter would shower down his blessings, and that peace and
concord might reign between the parties, the Trojans and Tyrians ;
which leads me to remark fourthly and lastly, that there is no proof of
the fact that the grace-cup was the Pope's health. At St. John's
College, Cambridge, the president, or his locum tenens, gave the
" old house," meaning prosperity to the college. But then this, it
may be said, was since the Reformation, therefore, to go higher, at
Mr. Newman's of Westbere, near Canterbury, in Kent, I saw the
grace-cup of John Foch, alias Essex, the last Abbot of St. Austin's,
158 Social Manners and Customs.
Canterbury, and my ever valuable friend, Dr. George Lynch, was
pleased afterwards, with Mr. Newman's leave, to make me a present
of a very neat drawing of it, which now I have by me. It was
mounted with silver gilt, much in the manner as the shells of cocoa-
nuts commonly are, and was very neat. Foch, the abbot, was a man
of note in his time, as likewise afterwards, as appears from John
Twyne's " De Rebus Albionicis" [1590], in which piece he is the
principal interlocutor. Mrs. Newman was a Foch of the same family,
and by that means the cup came to Mr. Newman. Now, the inscrip-
tion round the neck of this cup, in old letters of the time, is this
" Welcome ze be
Dryng for charite."
This cup is too small to be a vessel employed in the common refectory
of that large foundation, and probably was only used in the abbot's own
apartment. But now, if the Pope's health was not usually drunk after
dinner by the religious societies, and I think there is no proof it ever
was, we can much less expect it should go round in those jovial meet-
ings of the laity, where bumpers were introduced.
For these reasons, Mr. Urban, I am for looking out for a different
original ; and in the first place, the word is of no great antiquity, but
on the contrary rather modern, for it occurs not either in Littleton's
dictionary, or Cotgrave ; I should think it might be the French ban
verre, which is a genuine French phrase, as may be seen in Boyer ;
and certainly £, /*, and V, being letters of the same organ, are easily
changed for one another. But, if this does not please, I would observe
next, that in some of the midland counties, anything large is called a
bumper, as a large apple, or pear ; hence, bumping lass is a large girl
of her age, and a bumpkin is a large-limbed uncivilized rustic ; the
idea of grossness and size entering the character of a country bumpkin,
as well as that of an unpolished rudeness. Mr. Johnson in his dic-
tionary, I observe, deduces the word bumper from bump. But what
if it should be a corruption of bumbard or bombard, in Latin bom-
bardus, a great gun ; and from thence applied to a large flaggon,
black jack, or a full glass ? Thus the Lord Chamberlain says to the
porters, who had been negligent in keeping out the mob,
" You are lazy knaves :
And here ye lie baiting of bumbards, when
Ye should do service."
SHAKESPEARE, fftury VIII., Act v., Sc, 3.
"Baiting of bombards " is a cant term for sotting and drinking, which
Nash, in his supplication to the devil, p. 44 [see Note 64], calls by a
like metaphor, " beer baiting." So Shakspeare again, " Yond' same
black cloud, yond' huge one, looks like a foul bumbard that would
shed his liquor" (Tempest, Act ii., Sc. 2), where Mr. Theobald rightly
explains it, "a large vessel for holding drink as well as the piece of
Feasting tip on Live Flesh. 159
ordnance," so called. P and B, as I said, being so familiar, bumbard
would easily be turned into bumper. However, Mr. Urban, I should
prefer any one of these etymologies to that of " au bon Pere," but
which of the three to chuse I am uncertain, and therefore am very
willing to leave it to Squire Jones to take which he likes best ; and if
he approves of none of them, the liquor, I hope, and the quantity,
may still please. Yours, etc.,
PAUL GEMSAGE.
Feasting upon Live Flesh.
[1796, /. 827.]
Mr. Bruce's account of the Abyssinians feasting upon live flesh is
well known ; but, I believe, it is not so well known that Mr. Bruce's
countrymen, the Scotch, were once accustomed to eat their beef in
the same savage manner. The authority for this is a quarto pam-
phlet, intituled, "A modern Account of Scotland; being an exact
description of the Country, and a true Character of the People and
their Manners. Written from thence by an English Gentleman.
Printed in the Year 1670." Reprinted in the Harleian Miscellany,
vol. vi., p. 121. At p. 126 is the following passage: "Their cruelty
descends to their beasts, it being a custom, in some places, to feast
upon a living cow they tie in the middle of them, near a great fire,
and then cut collops of this poor living beast, and broil them on the
fire, till they have mangled her all to pieces ; nay, sometimes they will
only cut off as much as will satisfy their present appetites, and let her
go till their greedy stomachs call for a new supply ; such horrible
cruelty, as can scarce be paralleled in the whole world."
This I believe ; and that it never would have been paralleled if
Mr. Bruce had not travelled into Abyssinia.
Your readers will probably imagine, and I think they will be right
in the idea, that a great part of this modern account of Scotland is
burlesque. But, allowing that to be the case, there is a wonderful
coincidence between the Scotch feast and that which Mr. Bruce
declares he was present at in Abyssinia. R.
Hunting Customs.
MAYSTER OF THE GAME.
[1827, Part I., pp. 309-312.]
The recreations of our ancestors gave a strong bias to the national
character of society. Among those the diversion of hunting was often
the most prominent, and often assimilated in its various pursuits to all
the art, busy surprise, and cautious manoeuvring of war, and therefore
commended as a fit school of discipline for the aspiring soldier. Beyond
a robust system of exercise the ancient character of this diversion is
unknown to its present followers ; nor has curiosity called forth, from
160 Social Manners and Customs.
its manuscript embryo, that amusing and valuable treatise, known
under the above title, and attributed to the pen of Edmond de
Langley, fifth son of Edward III., created Duke of York in 1385.
This treatise possesses considerable merit and novelty, giving
personal importance to all the characters, from the prince to the
peasant, by describing their respective duties as attached to the chase.
The following description of rewarding the hounds, is taken from
"chap, xxxv., how the herte shulde be meved with the lymer, and
ronne to and slayne with strength ;" and differs from the French and
English manner, as given in " the Noble Art of Venerie," by George
Gascoigne, 1575, 4to.
" Whanne the deere is down, and lith on the ton syde, than at erfte
is tyme to blowe the deth, for it sholde neuere ben I blowe at harte
huntynge til'thedeere be on the ton syde and thenne sholde the houndes
be coupled vp, and faste as man maye. On of the berners schulde
encore hym, that is to saye, tvrne his Viornes to the erthewards and
the throte vpwarde and slitte the skynne of the throot all enlonge the
nekke, and kytte oute labeles on either syde of the skynne, the whiche
schall hange still vpone the heede, for thys longeth to an herte slayne
with strengthe. And elles nohte, and thenne sholde the hunter flere
downe the skynne as fer as he maye. And then with a scharpe tren-
choure kitte as thikke as he kan the flesche down to the nakke bone.
And this don euery man stonde abrode and blowe the dethe and make
a short abaye for to rewarde the houndes, and euery man haue a smale
rodde in his honde to holde of the houndes that they schal the better
abaye : and euery man blowe the deth that blowe maye, and as ofte as
any hunter beginneth to blowe euery man schulde blowe forth the deth
to make the better noyse and make the houndes the better know the
homes and abaye. And whan they haue abayed awhile let the houndes
come to and etc the flesche to the harde bon fro afoore the schuldres
righte to the heede for that is hure rewarde of ryhte ; and thenne take
hem fayre of and couple hem vp agayne. And thenne brynge to the
lyinge and serue eche by hymselfe. And thenne sholde the lorde zif
hym luste and elles the maister of the game, or zif he be absente, who
so is grettest of the hunters blowe the pryse at the couplynge vp ; and
that sholde be blowe only of one of the forsaide and of name. Na-
theles hit is to wit that zif the lorde be noht come sone ynohgh to
the abaye whil the deer is on lyue, they oughte to holde the abaye as
longe as they maye, with oute rebukynge of the houndes, to abyde the
lorde. And zif the lorde abyde to longe anoon as the deere is spayed,
and layde on that on syde, er they do ought elles, the mcaster of the
game, or which of hors-men that buth there at the deth, sholden
worthe vp on hors and euery man drawe his wave blowynge the deth,
til on of hem haue mette with hym, other harde of hym, and brouhte
hym thider. And zif ze may not mete with hym, and that they haue
worde that he is gon home they oughte to come agayne, and do who
Hunting Customs. 161
so is grettist maister, as thy lorde shulde do, zif he were there. And
rizhte so shulde they do to the maister of the game in the lordes
absence. But also zif the lord be there all things shulde be do of
abaye and rewardynge as byfore is sayde : and thenne he schulde
charge whan hym silfe luste to vndo the deere, zif the houndes
schulde not be enquyrteyde thereon, for zif they schulde ther nedeth
no more but the caboche his heed : all the ouer jawes stille ther on
and the labeles forsaide, and thenne hilde hym and lay the skyn vpon &
leye the heed at the skynnes ende righte afore the shulders, and whan
the houndes buth thus enquirreyed the lymers sholde haue bothe
sholdres for theire rightes, and elles thay schul noht haue but the eeres
and the brayne, whereof they shul be serued the hartes heed liggynge
vnder thare feet. But on that other syde zif the lorde wole haue
the deer vndon, he that he biddeth as byforne is saide shulde vndo
hym the moost wode manly and clenly that he kan. And ne wondreth
zou noght though I sey wod manly, for it is a_poynte of wode man
crafte ; and though it be wel sutynge to an hunter for to done cannie
hit neuere the latte hit longith more to wodeman craft than to hunters
and therfore as of the manere how he shulde be vndo, I passe ouer
lightly, for ther is no wodeman, nor good hunter in Engelond that
they ne kan do hit wel ynogh, and wel better than I can teche hem.
Neuretheles whan so is that the panche is taken oute clene and hool,
and the small gottes, one of the gromes chace chiens sholde take the
panche and go to the next water with all and slitte hit and caste oute
the filthe and wasche hit clene, that no filthe be abyde ther inne and
thenne brynge hit azen aud kutte hit in small gobettes in the bloode
that shulde be kepte in the skyn and the longes with all, zif they bee
hoot and elles noht And all the small guttes withall and brede broke
ther amonge after that the houndes be fewe or fele. And all this
turned and medled togedir amonge the blode til hit be well embrowed
in the blode and thanne loke whare as moche plak of grene is, and
thedir bere all this vpon the skynne with as much blode as may be
saued, and ther laye it and spred the skynne thervpon the hyer syde
vpwarde and laye the heede and the visage forewarde at the skynnes
ende of the nekke. And thenne the lorde sholde take a faire small
rodde in his honde, the whiche on of the zemen or on of the gromes,
shulde kutte for hym, and the maister of the game, and other, and
the sergeaunte, and eche of the zemen at hors, and other, and thenne
the lorde shulde take vp the hartes heede by the righte syde bytwene
the fureal and the fourche, or troche, whether that he bere, and the
maister of the game the lefte syde, in the same wyse and holde the
heed vpryghte, and that the nose louche the erthe, and thenne euery
man that is there safe the berners on foot, and the chace chiens and
the lymmers,the whiche schulde be with hure houndes and awayte vpon
hem in a faire greene there, as ys a colde shadwe [shade] sholde stond
a fronte in ayther syde the heede, with roddes that noon hounds come
ii
i62 Social Manners and Customs.
aboute, nor on the sydes, but that all stonde afore. And whanne this is
redy the maister of the game, or the sergeaunt sholde crye skilfully
lowde dedow : and thanne halowe euery whight and euery hunter blowe
the deth; when the houndes be come and abayeth the heed the berners
shulde pulle of the couples as fast as they mowen and when the lord
thinketh that the abaye hath lasted longynough the maister of the game
sholde pulle awaye the heede and one shulde be redy behynde to pulle
away the skynne, and lat the hounde come to the rewarde. And thenne
schulde the lorde and the maister of the game, and all the hunters
stonde a room all aboute the rewarde and blowe the deth and as ofte
as any of hem begynneth euery man schuld bere hym felawschyp, til
the houndes be wel rewarded and that thay have noht lefte. And
rizhte thus shal be do whanne the houndes schal be enquireyed of the
hool deere, and whenne there is noht lefte theune sholde the lorde,
zif hym luste, and elles the maister of the game, or in his absence
who so is grettest next hym, shulde strake in this wise that is to saye
blow iiij moot, and stynte nohte halfe an aue marie while ; and blowe
other iiij moot a litil lenger than the firste iiij, and thus sholbe na
wyht strake but when the herte is slayne with strengthe. And whanne
oon of the forseide hath thus blowen, thenne the gromes couple vp
the houndes and drawe homewarde faire and softe ; and all the
remanent of the hunters schuldon strake in this wise, trut, trororoiv,
trororow, and iiij moot, with all of on lengthe, nohte to longe nor to
shorte. And other wise shulde non harte hunter strake for thenne
forth til they go to bedde. And thus shulde the berners on fote and
the groomes lede hoom the houndes and sende afore that the kenele
be clene, and the trogh filled with clene watir and theire couche re-
newed with fresche strawe, and the, maister of the game and the
sergeaunte and the zemen at hors, shulde comen home and blowe
the mene at the halle dore, or at the celer door, as I shal zow deuyse :
firste the maister, or who is grettest next hym shal begynne and blowe
iij moot allone, and at the iiij moot the remenaunt of the foresaide
shulde blowe with hym and beware that non blowe longer than other :
and after the iiij moot euene forthwith they shul blow ij recopes as
thus, trut, trut, trororororowe : and that they be avisde fro the tyme
that they falle in to blowe togyder that none of hem begynne aforne
other, nor ende aftir othere. Zif hit bee the firste herte slayne with
strengthe in the seson, or the laste, the sergeaunt and the zemen shul
go on theire offyces bihalf and ax theyre fees, of the whiche I reporte
me to the olde statutes and custumes of the kynges hous. And this
dothe, maister of the game oughte to speke to the officers that all the
hunters soper bee wel ordeyned, and that they drynke non ale for no
thinge but all wyne that nyghte, for the good and the grete laboure
that they haue hadde for the lordes game and disporte, and for the
exploit and makynge of the houndes, and also that they maye the
Hunting Customs. 163
more mirily and gladly telle what eche of hem hath done of all the
daye and which houndes haue best ronne and boldlyest"
ALAUNTZ, OR MASTIFF.
Chaucer, in the Knight's Tale, describes "the grete king of
Trace," as
" About his char there wenten white alauns,
Twenty and mo, as gret as any stere,
To hunten at the leon, or the dere,
And folwed him with mosel fast y bound,
Colered with gold and torettes filed round."
The alauntz is an animal to which the compiler of the Master of
the Game has devoted chapter xvi. " of the Alauntz and of his nature,"
to describe his character and different kinds : as ' gentil,' ' ventreres,'
and 'buchery.' — "They that bee gentele schul bee made and schape
lyke a hounde euene of all thinges, safe of the hede whiche schulde
bee grete and shorte, and though ther bee Alauntz of all hues, the
verrey hue of the good alauntz and thatismostecomyne shulde be white
with a blake spotte aboute the eeres ; small then and white stondynge
eeres and sharpe aboue. Men schulde teche alauntz better and to
bee of better customes than any other beestes for he is better schape
and strenger for to do harme than any other beest. And also comunly
alauntz buth sturdy of hir owne nature and haue noghe so good wit as
many other houndes haue : For yf a man prikke an hors, the alauntz
wil gladly renne and byte the hors ; also they renneth to oxen and
to schepe and to swyne and to all other beestes ; or to men ; or to
other houndes. For men haue sey alauntz sle his maister, and in all
maner wise alauntz buth inly fel and yuel vndirstondynge, and more
foolyche and more sturdy than any other manere of houndes. And
ben neuere that wel condicyoned and good. For a good alauntz
shulde renne also faste as a greyhounde and any beeste that he maye
come to he schulde holde well with his sesoures and noghte leue hit.
For an alauntz of his nature holdith faste his bitynge then schulde iij
grey houndes the best that any man maye finde, and therfore it is
the best hounde for to holde and for to nyme all manere beestes and
holde myghteliche. And when he is wel condicioned and perfitliche
men holde that he is good among all other houndes : but men fyndith
but fewe that beth perfite. A good alauntz schulde loue his maister
and folowe hym and helpe hym in all caas and what thinge his maister
wolde hym comande. A good alaunt schul go faste and bee hardy
to nyme lale manere beestes with oute tarrynge and holde faste and
noghte leue hir and wel condicyoned and wel at his maister's comaund
and whenne he is suche men holde as y haue ysaide that he is on the
good hounde that may be for to take all manere of beestes. That
other nature of alauntz is cleped ventreres. Almost they bee scbape
1 I — 2
1 64 Social Manners and Customs.
as a grey hound of ful schap. They haue grete heedes, grete hyppes,
and grete eres and with suyche men helpith hem wel at baitynge of
the bole and all huntynge of the wilde bore : for they holde faste of
hir nature but they beth heuy and foule and buth slayne with the
wylde boor or with the boke ; and it is noht ful grete loste. And
whan they may ouertake a beste, they bitith and holdeth him stille ;
but by hem selfe thei schulde neuere holde the beast : but gif grey-
houndes were with them for to make the best tarye. That other
nature of alauntz of bocherye is suyche as ze may aldaye see in good
townes that beth cald grete bocher dogges ; the whych bochers holdith
for to helpe hem to bringe her beestes that they biyth in the centre
for zif an ox a striped fro the bochers that ledeth hym his hounde
wolde goe take and holde hym in to the tyme that his maister were
ycome and schulde helpe hym to brynge hym ageyne to the toun.
They buth of litil coste for they etith the foule thinges in the bochere,
and also they kepith hur maister's hous. They buth good for the
baytinge of the booke and huntynge of the wilde boor, whether it bee
wit greyhoundes at the tristre, or with rennynge houndes at the baye
withinne the couert. For whan a wylde boor is in a stronge hat of
wode, perauenture of all the daye he wolde not voyde thennes for
the rennynge houndes ; and whenne men lat suche mastyfs renne at
the boor, thai taketh hem in the thykke speis and make some man sle
hym ; or they make hym come 'ouzte of the strengthe that he ne schal
abyde nought longe at a bayes."
Eu. HOOD.
Custom of Barring-out
[ 1 828, pp. 402-408.]
Of the many strange customs which prevailed among our medieval
ancestors, and which of late years have rapidly fallen into desuetude,
that of Uarring-out, as it is called, appears the most irreconcileable
to the habits and sentiments of modern times. To a scholastic dis-
ciplinarian of the Metropolis, the custom would appear outrageous,
and almost incredulous. It reminds us of the Roman Saturnalia of
old, when masters, for a certain time, were subservient to their
servants and slaves.
Hutchinson, in his History of Cumberland, vol. ii., p. 322, when
speaking of the parish of Bromfield, thus adverts to the practice of
Barring-out :
" Till within the last twenty or thirty years, it had been a custom, time out of
mind, for the scholars of the Free-school of liromfield, about the beginning of
Lent, or in the more expressive phraseology of the country, at Fasting's Even, to
bar out the master j i.e. to depose anil exclude him from his school, and keep him
out for three days. During the period of this expulsion, the doors of the citadel,
the school, were strongly barricadoed w ithin : and the boys, who defended it like
a besieged city, were aimed, in general, with bore-ticc, or elder pop-guns. The
The Custom of Barring-out. 165
master, meanwhile, made various efforts, both by force and stratagem, to regain his
lost authority. If he succeeded, heavy tasks were imposed, ami the business of the
school was resumed and submitled to ; but it more commonly happened '.hat he
was repulsed and defeated. After three days' siege, terms of capitulation were
proposed by the master, and accepted by the boys. These terms were summed up
in an old formula of Latin Leonine verses ; stipulating what hours and times
should, for the year ensuing, be allotted to study, and what to relaxation and play.
Securities were provided by each side for the due performance of these stipulations ;
and the paper was then solemnly signed both by master and scholars."
Brand, when noticing the subject in his Popular Antiquities, quotes
the above passage from Hutchinson, and says, it was " a custom that
having now fallen into disuse, will soon be/totally forgotten." Brand
was certainly mistaken in this assertion. In Cumberland the custom
still prevails, and is not likely soon to be forgotten. To my certain
knowledge it has taken place at Scotby, Wetherall, Warwick, etc.,
within the last ten years ; and I understand that the practice is still
occasionally enforced. I have been informed by a young friend,
who left Scotby school a very few years ago, that he had been fre-
quently engaged in these affairs. He stated that when the master
was barred out, the written orders for the holidays, etc., were put
through the key-hole of the school door, with a request for the master
lo sign them, which, after some hesitation and a few threats, he
generally consented to. On one occasion, however, he forced his
way through the window ; but was instantly expelled, vi et armis, and
his coat-tail burnt to pieces by squibs and blazing paper.
Brand mentions the custom as being very prevalent in the city of
Durham, and other places in the county; as Houghton-le-Spring,
Thornton, etc. [i. 441 454].
A writer in your Magazine, vol. Ixi., p. 1170, mentioning some
local customs of Westmoreland and Cumberland, remarks,
" In September or October, the master is locked out of the school by the
scholars, who, previous to his admittance, give an account of the different holidays
for the ensuing year, which he promises to observe, and signs his name lo the
Orders, as they are called, with two bondsmen. The return of these signed Orders
is the signal of capitulation ; the doors, are immediately opened ; lieef, beer, and
wine, deck the festive board ; and the day is spent in mirth."
Dr. Johnson, in his life of Addison, says,
" In 1683, when Addison had entered his twelfth year, his father, now become
Dean of Litchfield, committed htm to the care of Mr. Shaw, master of the grammar-
school in that city. While he was under the tuition of Shaw, his enterprize and
courage have been recorded in leading and conducting successfully a plan for
barring-out his master, a disorderly privilege which, in his time, prevailed in the
principal seminaries of education, where the boys, exulting at the approach of their
periodical liberty, and unwilling to wait its regular commencement, took possession
of the school some days before the time of regular recess, of which they barred the
door ; and, not contented with the exclusive occupation of the fortress, usually bade
their master defiance from the windows. The whole operation of this practice
was, at Litchlield, planned and conducted by Addison."
1 66 Social Manners and Customs.
Though the masters, in many cases, evidently submitted to this
outrageous custom, in other places it was resisted and put down, as
we may see from the following extract, which appears among the
Statutes of the Grammar-school founded at Kilkenny, in Ireland,
March 18, 1684. and copied into Vallancey's Collectanea de rebus
Hibernicis, vol. ii., p. 512 :
" In the number of stubborn and refractory lads, who shall refuse to submit to
the orders and correction of the said school, who are to be forthwith dismissed, and
not re-admitted without due submission to exemplary punishment, and on the
second offence to be discharged and expelled for ever, are reckoned such as shall
offer lo shut out the master or usher ; but the master shall give them leave to break
up eight days before Christmas, and three days before Easter and Whitsuntide."
Though this custom has attracted the notice of different writers, I
am not aware that a detailed account has ever been given to the
world by any one engaged in such an affair. The preparations, the
consultations, the. anxieties attendant on an undertaking so all-im-
portant to a boyish mind, would have been deserving the pen of an
Addison, who was himself the mainspring, as Johnson informs us,
in one of these daring affairs.
The custom used to prevail in some parts of Lancashire ; but the
last attempt at a barring-out, of which I have ever heard in that
county, was at the Free Grammar-school of Ormskirk,* in which the
writer of the following simple detail was actively engaged ; and I am
sure no publication is more calculated to transmit a correct know-
ledge of such a custom to posterity than the imperishable pages of
the Gentleman's Magazine. Whilst some may be ready to exclaim,
" Could such things be ?" others, who have witnessed them, may
recall to mind a thousand delightful reminiscences connected with
the early period of scholastic life.
THE CHRISTMAS BARRING-OUT.
It was a few days before the usual period of the Christmas holidays
arrived, when the leading scholars of the head form determined on
reviving the ancient but almost obsolete custom of barring-out the
* The Grammar-school of Ormskirk was erected in 1614, by Henry Croft, Esq.
The emoluments of the head-master, arising from certain endowments, amount to
about 2oo/. per annum ; and he receives from each scholar a stated sum at
Michaelmas, Christmas, and Candlemas, respectively. The scholars are admitted
on the recommendation of a vi.-iting trustee, of which the Vicar of the parish is one.
They are always expected to learn the Latin and Greek languages. Writing,
arithmetic, etc., are taught at an extra expence. The head-master must necessarily
be a Clergyman, who holds at the same time the perpetual curacy of Altcar, about
five miles from Ormskirk. The Rev. W. Naylor, whose death was recorded in Gent.
Mag., vol. xcii. i., p. 380, was head of the school for upwards of half a century. The
Rev. Mr. Forshaw is the present master. Of late years the original intention of
the founder (with respect to the tuition being confined to classical learning) has
been much neglected ; and I believe that the half-yearly visits of the trustees, at
which the boys were strictly examined, have been long discontinued.
The Custom of Barring-oiit. 167
master of the school. Many years had elapsed since the attempt
had succeeded ; and many times since that period had it been made
in vain. The scholars had heard of the glorious fetes [sic] of their fore-
fathers in their boyish years, when they set the lash of the master at
defiance for days together. Now, alas ! all was changed ; the master,
in the opinion of the boys, reigned a despot absolute and uncon-
trolled. The merciless cruelty of his rod, and the heaviness of his
tasks, were insupportable. The accustomed holidays had been re-
scinded ; the usual Christmas feast reduced to a non-entity, and the
chartered rights of the scholars were continually violated. These
grievances were discussed seriatim ; and we all were unanimously of
opinion that our wrongs should, if possible, be redressed. But how
the object should be effected was a momentous and weighty affair.
The master was a clergyman of the old school, who for the last forty
years had exercised an authority hitherto uncontrolled, and who had
no idea of enforcing scholastic discipline without the exercise of the
whip. The consequences of a failure were terrible to reflect upon ;
but then, the anticipation of success, and the glory attendant upon
the enterprise, if successful, were sufficient to dispel every fear.
At the head of the Greek class there was one whose very soul
seemed formed for the most daring attempts. He communicated
his intentions to a chosen few, of which the writer was one, and
offered to be the leader of the undertaking, if we would promise him
our support. We hesitated ; but he represented the certainty of
success with such feeling eloquence, that he entirely subdued our
opposition. He stated that Addison had acquired immortal fame
by a similar enterprise. He told us that almost every effort in the
sacred cause of freedom had succeeded. He appealed to our classi-
cal recollections ; — Epaminondas and Leonidas were worthy of our
example ; — Tarquin and Caesar, as tyrants, had fallen before the
united efforts of freedom ; we had only to be unanimous, and the
rod of this scholastic despot would be for ever broken. We then,
entered enthusiastically into his views. He observed that delays
were dangerous ; the " barring-out," he said, " should take place the
very next morning, to prevent the possibility of being betrayed." On
a previous occasion (he said) some officious little urchin had told
the master the whole plot — several days having been allowed to
intervene between the planning of the project and its execution ; and
to the astonishment of the boys, it appeared, they found the master at
his desk two hours before his usual time, and had the mortification
of being congratulated on their early attendance, with an order to be
there every morning at the same hour !
To prevent the recurrence of such a defeat, we determined on,
organizing our plans that very night. The boys were accordingly
told to assemble after school hours at a well-known tombstone, in
the neighbouring Churchyard, as something of importance was under
1 68 Social Manners and Customs.
consideration. The place of meeting was an elevated parallelogram
tombstone, which had always served as a kind of council-table to settle
our little disputes, as well as parties of pleasure. Here we all assembled
at the appointed time. Our leader took his stand at one end of the
stone, with the head-boys who were in the secret, on each side of
him. " My boys, (he laconically observed) to-morrow morning we are
to bar out the flogging parson ; and to make him promise that he will
not flog us hereafter without a cause ; nor set us long tasks, or deprive
us of our holidays. The boys of the Greek form will be your Captains,
and I am to be your Captain-general. Those who are cowards had
better retire, and be satisfied with future floggings ; but you who have
courage, and know what it is to have been flogged for nothing, come
here and sign your names." He immediately pulled out a pen and a
sheet of paper ; and having tied some bits of thread round the finger-
ends of two or three boys, with a pin he drew blood to answer for ink,
and to give more solemnity to the act He signed the first, the Cap-
tains next, and the rest in succession. Many of the lesser boys slunk
away during the ceremony ; but on counting the names we found we
mustered upwards of forty — sufficient, it was imagined, even to carry
the school by storm. The Captain-general then addressed us : "I
have the key of the school, and shall be there at seven o'clock. The
old Parson will arrive at nine, and every one of you must be there
before eight, to allow us one hour for barricadoing the doors and
windows. Bring with you as much provision as you can ; and tell
your parents that you have to take your dinners in school. Let every
one of you have some weapon of defence ; you who cannot obtain a
sword, pistol, or poker, must bring a stick or cudgel. Now all go
home directly, and be sure to arrive early in the morning."
Perhaps a more restless and anxious night was never passed by
young recruits on the eve of a general battle. Many of us rose some
hours before the time ; and at seven o'clock, when the school-door
was opened, there was a tolerably numerous muster. Our Captain im-
mediately ordered candles to be lighted, and a rousing fire to be
made (for it was a dark December's morning). He then began to
examine the store of provisions, and the arms which each had brought.
In the meantime, the arrival of every boy with additional material,
was announced by tremendous cheers.
At length the Church clock struck eight. " Proceed to barricade
the doors and windows (exclaimed the Captain), or the old lion will
be upon us before we are prepared to meet him." In an instant,
the old oaken door rang on its heavy hinges. Some, with hammers,
gimlets, and nails, were eagerly securing the windows, while others
were dragging along the ponderous desks, forms, and everything
portable, to blockade, with certain security, every place which might
admit of ingress. This operation being completed, the Captain
mounted the master's rostrum, and called over the list of names, when
The Custom of Barring out. 169
he found only two or three missing. He then proceeded to classify
them into divisions or companies of six, and assigned to each its re-
spective Captain. He prescribed the duties of each company. Two
were to guard the large casement window, where it was expected the
first attack would be made ; this was considered the post of honour,
and consequently the strongest boys, with the most formidable
weapons, were selected, whom we called Grenadiers. Another com-
pany, whom we considered as the Light Infantry, or Sharp Shooters,
were ordered to mount a large desk in the centre of the school ; and
armed with squibs, crackers, and various missiles, they were to attack
the enemy over the heads of the combatants. The other divisions
were to guard the back windows and door, and to act according to
the emergency of the moment. Our leader then moved some reso-
lutions (which in imitation of Brutus he had cogitated during the
previous night), to the effect that each individual should implicitly
obey his own Captain, that each Captain should follow the orders of
the Captain-general, and that a corps-de-reserve should be stationed
in the rear, to enforce this obedience, and prevent the combatants
from taking to flight. The resolutions were passed amidst loud
vociferations.*
We next commenced an examination of the various weapons, and
found them to consist of one old blunderbuss, one pistol, two old
swords, a few rusty pokers, and sticks, stones, squibs, and gun-powder
in abundance. The fire-arms were immediately loaded with blank
powder ; the swords were sharpened, and the pokers heated in the
fire. These weapons were assigned to the most daring company, who
had to protect the principal window. The missiles were for the light
infantry, and all the rest were armed with sticks.
We now began to manojuvre our companies, by marching them into
line and column, so that every one might know his own situation. In
the midst of this preparation the sentinel, whom we had placed at
the window, loudly vociferated, " The parson ! the parson's coming !"
* In Miss E Igeworth's collection of Juvenile Stories, there is a little interesting
sketch, called the Harring-out, or Party Spirit. The scene is given at a private
boarding-school. " The arrangement of the affair," she observer, " was left to the
new manager, to whom all pledged implicit obedience. Obedience, it seems, is
necessary, even from rebels to their ringleaders — not reasonable but implicit
obedience." — " Archer [the name of the captain, or manager, as she calls him] and
his associates agreed to stay the last in the school-room, and as soon as the Grey-
beards [a name given to an opposing party of boys] were gone out to bed, he, as a
signal, was to shut and lock one door, and Townsend the other ; a third cons|rirator
was to strike a light, in case they should not lie able to secure a candle j a fourth
was to lake charge of the candle as soon as lighted, and all the rest were to run to
the bars, which were secreted in the room ; then to fix them to the common fasten-
ing bars of the window, in the manner in which they had been previously instructed
by the manager. Thus each had his part assigned, and eich was warned that the
success of the whole depended upon their order and punctuality. Order and
punctuality, it appears, are necessary even in a barring-out ; anil even rebellion
must have its laws."
1 70 Social Manners and Customs,
In an instant all was confusion. Every one ran he knew not where,
as if eager to fly, or screen himself from observation. Our captain
instantly mounted a form, and called to the captains of the two leading
companies to take their stations. They immediately obeyed ; and
the other companies followed their example ; though they found it
much more difficult to manreuvre when danger approached, than
they had a few minutes before ! The well-known footstep, which had
often struck on our ears with terror, was now heard to advance along
the portico. The master tried to lift the latch again and again in
vain. The muttering of his stern voice sounded on our ears like the
lion's growl ! A deathlike silence prevailed. We scarcely dared to
breathe. The palpitations of our little hearts could perhaps alone be
heard. The object of our dread then went round to the front
window, for the purpose of ascertaining whether any one was in the
school. Every footstep struck us with awe ; not a word, not a
whisper was heard. He approached close to the window, and
with an astonished countenance stood gazing upon us, while we were
ranged in battle array, motionless as statues, and silent as the tomb.
" What is the meaning of this ?'' he impatiently exclaimed. But no
answer could he obtain ; for who would then have dared to render
himself conspicuous by a reply ? Pallid countenances and livid lips
betrayed our fears. The courage which one hour before was ready to
brave every danger, appeared to be fled. Every one seemed anxious
to conceal himself from view ; and there would certainly have been a
general flight through the back windows, had it not been for the
prudent regulation of a corps-de-reserve, armed with cudgels to
prevent it.
" You young scoundrels, open the door instantly," he again ex-
claimed ; and what added to our indescribable horror, in a fit of
rage he dashed his hand through the window, which consisted of
small diamond-shaped panes, and appeared as if determined to force
his way in.
Fear and trepidation, attended by an increasing commotion, now
possessed us all. At this critical moment every eye turned to our
captain, as if to reproach him for having brought us into this terrible
dilemma. He alone stood unmoved ; but he saw that none would
have courage to obey his commands. Some exciting stimulus was
necessary. Suddenly waving his hand, he exclaimed aloud, " Three
cheers for the barring-out, and success to our cause !" (Hurra ! hurra !
hurra !) The cheers were tremendous. Our courage revived ; the
blood flushed in our cheeks ; the parson was breaking in ; the moment
was critical. Our captain undaunted sprang to the fire-place — seized
a heated poker in one hand, and a blazing torch in the other. The
latter he gave to the captain of the sharp-shooters, and told him to
prepare a volley ; when with the red-hot poker he fearlessly advanced
to the window-seat ; and daring his master to enter, he ordered an
The Custom of Barring-out. 171
attack — and an attack indeed was made, sufficiently tremendous to
have repelled a more powerful. assailant. The missiles flew at the ill-
fated window from every quarter. The blunderbuss and the pistol
were fired ; squibs and crackers, ink-stands and rulers, stones, and
even burning coals, came in showers about the casement, and broke
some of the panes into a thousand pieces ; while blazing torches,
heated pokers, and sticks, stood bristling under the window. The
whole was scarcely the work of a minute. The astonished master
reeled back in dumb amazement. He had evidently been struck with
a missile, or with the broken glass ; and probably fancied he was
wounded by the fire-arms. The school now rang with the shouts of
"Victory," and continued cheering. " The enemy again approaches,"
cries the captain ; " fire another volley ; — stay ; he seeks a parley,
hear him." — " What is the meaning, I say, of this horrid tumult ?"
"The barring-out, the barring out !" a dozen voices instantly exclaimed.
" For shame," says he, in a Jone evidently subdued, "what disgrace you
are bringing upon yourselves and the school. What will the Trustees
— what will your parents say? William (continued he, addressing
the captain), open the door without further delay." — " I will, sir," he
replied, " on your promising to pardon us, and to give us our lawful
holidays, of which we have lately been deprived ; and not set us tasks
during the holidays." — " Yes, yes," said several squealing voices,
" that is what we want ; and not to be flogged for nothing.'1 — " You
insolent scoundrels ! you consummate young villains !" he exclaimed,
choking with rage, and at the same time making a furious effort to
break through the already shattered window, " open the door in-
stantly, or I'll break every bone in your hides." — " Not on those con-
ditions," replied our captain, with provoking coolness ; " come on,
my boys; another volley." No sooner said than done, and even with
more fury than before. Like men driven to despair, who expect no
quarter on surrendering, the little urchins daringly mounted the
window-seat, which was a broad old-fashioned one, and pointed the
fire-arms and heated poker at him ; whilst others advanced with the
squibs and missiles. " Come on, my lads," says the captain, " let
this be our Thermopylae, and I will be your Leonidas." And indeed
so daring were they, that each seemed ready to emulate the Spartans
of old. The master, perceiving their determined obstinacy, turned
round without further remonstrance, and indignantly walked away.
Relieved from our terrors, we now became intoxicated with joy.
The walls rang with repeated hurrahs. In the madness of enthu-
siasm some of the boys began to tear up the forms, throw the books
about, break the slates, locks, and cupboards, and act so outrageously,
that the captain called them to order ; not, however, before the
master's desk and drawers had been broken open, and every play-
thing, which had been taken from the scholars, restored to its owner.
We now began to think of provisions. They were all placed on
172 Social Manners and Customs.
one table, and dealt out in rations by the captains of each company.
In the mean time we held a council of war, as we called it, to deter-
mine on what was to be done.
In a recess at the east end of the school, there stood a large oak
chest, black with age, whose heavy hinges had become corroded with
years of rust. It was known to contain the records and endow-
ments of the school, and, as we presumed, the regulations for the
treatment of the scholars. The oldest boy had never seen its inside.
Attempts, dictated by insatiable curiosity, had often been made to
open it ; but it was deemed impregnable. It was guarded by three
immense locks, and each key was in the possession of different per-
sons. The wood appeared to be nearly half a foot thick, and every
corner was plaited with iron. All eyes were instinctively directed to
this mysterious chest. Could any means be devised for effecting an
entrance ? was the natural question. We all proceeded to recon-
noitre. We attempted to move it, but in vain. We made some
feeble efforts to force the lid ; it was as firm as a block of marble.
At length, one daring urchin brought from the fire-place a red-hot
poker, and began to bore through its sides. A universal shout was
given. Other pokers were brought, and to work they went. The
smoke and tremendous smell which the old wood sent forth rather
alarmed us. We were apprehensive that we might burn the records,
instead of obtaining a copy of them. This arrested our progress for
a few minutes.
At this critical moment a shout was set up that the parson and a
constable were coming ! Down went the pokers, and, as if con-
science-stricken, we were all seized with consternation. The case-
ment window was so shattered, that it could easily be entered by any
resolute fellow. In the desperation of the moment we seized the
desks, forms, and stools, to block it up ; but our courage in some
degree had evaporated ; and we felt reluctant to act on the offensive.
The old gentleman and his attendant deliberately inspected the win-
dows and fastenings ; but, without making any attempt to enter, they
retreated, for the purpose, as we presumed, of obtaining additional
assistance. What was now to be done ? The master appeared
obdurate ; and we had gone too far to recede. Some proposed to
drill a hole in the window-seat, fill it with gunpowder, and explode it,
if any one attempted to enter. Others thought we had better prepare
to set fire to the school sooner than surrender unconditionally. But
the majority advised what was perhaps the most prudent resolution,
to wait for another attack, and, if we saw no hopes of sustaining a
longer defence, to make the best retreat we could.
The affair of the Barring-out had now become known, and persons
began to assemble round the windows, calling out that the master was
coming with assistants, and saying every thing to intimidate us. Many
of us were completely jad^-d with the over-excitement we had experi-
The Custom of Barring-out. \ 73
enced since the previous evening. The school was hot, close, and
full of smoke. Some were longing for liberty and fresh air; and most
of us were now of opinion that we had engaged in an affair which it
was impossible to accomplish. In this state of mind we received
another visit from our dreaded master. With his stick he commenced
a more furious attack than before ; and observing us less turbulent,
he appeared determined to force his way, in spite of the barricadoes.
The younger boys thought of nothing but flight and self-preservation;
and the rush to the back-windows became general. In the midst of
this consternation our captain exclaims, "Let us not fly like cowards ;
if we must surrender, let the gates of the citadel be thrown open ; the
day is against us ; but let us bravely face the enemy, and march out
with the honours of war." Some few had already escaped ; but the
rest immediately ranged themselves on each side the school, in two
extended lines, with their weapons in hand. The door was thrown
open — the master instantly entered, and passed between the two lines,
denouncing vengeance on us all. But as he marched in, we marched
out in military order ; and giving three cheers, we dispersed into the
neighbouring fields.
We shortly met again, and after a little consultation, it was deter-
mined that none of the leaders should come to school until sent for,
and a free pardon given.
The defection, however, was so general, that no corporal punish-
ments took place. Many of the boys did not return till nfter the
holidays ; and several of the elder ones never entered the school
again. HAN.
Highland Custom.
[I7S2,/. 458.]
I have been about a month in the Highlands, where I lodged with
a laird, two miles from the wood of Birnham, which makes so con-
siderable a figure in " Macbeth." Shakespeare, if I remember, founds
the fancy of the wood's moving upon an order of the Macduffs, for
the soldiers taking every man a bough in his hand, to conceal their
number on the march. My landlaird on shewing me Birnham hill
from his garden, and telling me the story, acquainted me with a prac-
tice of the antient Highlanders in their military affairs, which much
more naturally accounted for the accomplishment of the witches' pro-
phecy, and which in fact was the true historical case.
The Highland Clans used to distinguish themselves in battle by
sprigs of different trees, which they wore in their bonnets as cockades.
The ensign of the Macdonalds was fir, and every clan had its particular
tree, by which in the heat of battle it might be known. — Woods are
so scarce in this country that 'tis to be imagined the sprigs they place
in their bonnets were generally not very large ; but as Macduff marched
to attack Mackbeth from Birnham, where there is a remarkably large
1 74 Social Manners and Customs.
wood, and in the summer, the soldiers decked their bonnets more
gayly than usual, and many of them besides carryed branches in their
hands ; for I should have told you that their ensigns always carry'd a
branch of the tree which was peculiar to their clan, by way of colour.
Yours, etc., T. C.
Taking Oaths.
[1746, pp. 313, 314.]
In the golden verses, commonly ascribed to Pythagoras, we see the
due observance of an oath made pne of the chief duties of man. The
antient Greeks and Romans bound those persons by an oath to whom
they left the execution of their last wills; which custom is alluded to
in many passages of the antients. Juvenal, than whom nobody more
detested, or more severely scourged vice, among the blessings of the
golden age mentions swearing not being practised then,
". . . . Nondum Graecis jurare paratis," etc. — Sat. vi. 1. 6.
The veneration, in which an oath ought to be held by Englishmen,
appears from the long practice of our courts of law ; where an oath is
administer'd as the test of the veracity of the person swearing ; and
if he is proved perjured, a shameful and painful penalty is inflicted on
him.
The custom of cursing and swearing, which has long prevail'd among
almost all sorts of people in England, is not only indecent and im-
polite, but wicked, as it takes away the reverence and awe which are
tlue to a legal oath ; and I doubt not but many persons in a length of
years have forsworn themselves thro' the little value which they placed
on an oath. When men are countenanced by each other in using the
most shocking execrations on the slightest occasions, and in swearing
by the Deity without any occasion, the solemnity and religious sense
which ought to attend the act of legal swearing vanishes ; and such
persons as are not habituated to religious or philosophical specula-
tions, treat the form of administering an oath with as much indiffer-
ence as they would any common and familiar act
It was time, therefore, for the legislature to endeavour to put a stop
to this scandalous and profane custom :* every man's property, and
* By the Act newly pass'd a person convicted, after June 4, 1746, of cursing or
swearing, if a day labourer, common sailor, soldier, or seaman, is to pay one
shilling ; every person, under the degree of a gentleman, two shillings ; and every
other person of or above the degree of a gentleman, five shillings ; for the second
offence to pay double, and for every subsequent offence treble the sum first inflicted.
Offenders not paying the penalty, to be committed lo the house of correction, and
kept to hard labour for 10 days. Any common soldier, sailor, or seaman on
conviction to pay the penalty and cost, or, in default thereof, instead of being
committed to the house of correction, to be set in the stocks for one hour, and ior
any number of offences two hours. The cost to be ascertained by the justice, elc.
The offender, if not able to pay the penalty, may give satisfactory security. Any
Taking Oaths. 175
life, might be affected by it ; for when the bond of conscience is once
broke, the security of society is in a great measure impaired ; for tho'
our penal laws are the barriers erected for us against evil doers, yet
thousands of the innocent may be ruin'd by perjury, without the per-
jured persons being detected : and that indifference with which the
vulgar, and I am afraid persons of higher rank, may be brought to
treat a legal oath by a long habit of cursing and swearing, may
perhaps be the occasion of perjury sitting very light on their con-
sciences.
I should not wonder if it could be demonstrated that perjury is
more frequent in popish than in protestant countries, where such
oaths are in the mouths of all men as are astonishing to the conside-
rate, on account of the folly and profaneness of them : among their
oaths in common use are the following : by " God's bones," by '* God's
flesh," by " the blood of God ;" many more of which sort may be seen
in the old English comedies, wrote in popish times.
Our old and great English dramatic poet has, in his play call'd "As
You Like It," represented man in one of his stages of life as
" Full of strange Oaths . . . ."
Shakespeare has indeed drawn a common swearer like a savage in
what follows,
". . . . bearded like a pard,
Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel." [Act ii. Scene 7.]
I cannot without surprize hear men, whose birth, education, and
stations in life, should raise their minds above the vulgar, utter such
oaths and curses as would even disgrace the lowest class of men, on
a notion that this makes them appear manly and terrible, while, on the
contrary, it renders them unmanly and contemptible.
Broughton's amphitheatre, and the boxing stages, are the schools in
which cursing and swearing have been taught and practised with great
success : in them I have seen the British bruisers, numerous as the
Athenian youths in these groves of Academus, throng round the
champions : peers, poets, painters, players, and pickpockets, have
joined in the loud applause, and confirm'd their approbation with a
volley of oaths. Had Milton lived to our times, he might have been
said to have taken his description of the realms of chaos and old
night from these places : there loud uproar, hubbubs wild, and ten-
fold confusion, surround the throne of Anarchy. I have heard some
justice, mayor, etc. wilfully omitting to execute this Act, to forfeit five pounds, one
moiety to the informer, the other to the poor of the parish. Anj constable, petty
constable, etc., omitting the performance of his duty, to forfeit forty shillings, to be
committed to the house of correction, and kept to hard labour for one month.
Conviction, before a justice, mayor, etc., to l>e final. Prosecutions to be com-
menced within 8 days. The Acts 21 James I. and 6lh and 7th William 111.
repealed.
176 Social Manners and Customs.
of ihe ingenious frequenters of such places say that our heroic youth
thence receive their first impressions of courage, and by the scenes
presented there they are fired to acts of glory. All men who are apt
to indulge reflection will allow, that, if the manners of barbarians are
proper for the imitation of a civilized people, those are the schools of
honour : but we know that heroic virtue cannot be the growth of such
inglorious and ignoble soils. Hockley in the Hole is now no more ;
and what shall be the fate of the other school of defence those must
determine who have so laudably exerted their power against profane
cursing and swearing.
I would recommend to all persons of high rank, and to others who
have children and servants, one method which will facilitate the refor-
mation proposed : let them resolve never to swear a rash oath, or
utter a curse, and to turn every servant away that shall do either, and
the emulation in lower men of imitating their superiors in cursing and
swearing will cease.
I have in some families heard a young girl utter expressions which
border on cursing : I was surprized to hear such words from the lips
of Innocence ; for I believe she said nothing from any bitterness of
heart ; but my wonder ceased when I heard her mamma use the same
words, and her* father curse and swear without reserve : for a good
wife is always forward to imitate a fond husband : and a dutiful child
thinks she can do nothing better than follow the example of a kind
father and mother. Dr. Young has drawn a character of a young
lady who was above the reserve in her conversation which is peculiar
to her sex.
" Thalestris triumphs in a manly mien,
I.oucl is lier accent, and her phrase obscene.
— In fair end open dealing where's the shame?
What Nature dares to give she dares to name :
And now and then, to grace her eloquence,
An oath supplies the vacancks of sense. "
Such as see the deformity of a character like this, will strive to merit
a more amiable and beautiful one.
[i 754. PP- 594, S95-]
That the vice of swearing in common discourse is at this day but
too frequent in this nation will be allowed, but then, I think, it is
chiefly found amongst the lower sort of people ; and I remember an
observation I have read somewhere, "That it came in at the head, but
is going out at the tail ;" I hope the observation is true, and that in
time this horrible custom will totally vanish, both in head and tail.
However, this implies that at first it prevailed most amongst the
nobility and gentry, and " To swear like a lord," and " To swear like
an emperor," are expressions of the same denotement, and which, I
daresay, have often sounded in your ears. It is astonishing with what
Swearing. 177
facility our kings would formerly swear at every turn. The form used
by Henry VIII. was "By the mother of God," and, accordingly,
Shakespeare, adhering to history, introduces him saying,
" Now by my holy dame,"
And again,
" By God's blest mother."
And afterwards,
" By holy Mary."
SHAKESPEARE, Htnry VIII., Act 3, Sc. 4. •
The oath of the Conqueror was " By the splendour of God " (see
Rapin, vol. i. p. 165, 180, in Not), and that of Rufus, as we are told,
" By St Luke's face," for so Rapin i., p. 189 : " Whereupon the King
told the monk, swearing by ' St Luke's face,' his usual oath, that he
best deserved the abbey, and should have it for nothing."
But I think there is a great mistake in this matter ; for tho' the
Roman Church pretends to have the head of St Luke both at Prague
and at Rome (see Patrick's " Devotions of the Romish Church," p.
14), yet I think Rufus did not swear by the face of St. Luke, but
" By the face of Christ" In the monkish historian Eadmarus, this
prince swears four times ; ist " Per sanctum vultum de Luca," p. 19 ;
2nd. " Per vultum Dei," p. 30 ; 3rd. " Per vultum de Luca," p. 47 ;
and lastly, " Per vultum Dei " again, p. 54. It appears to me the
King intended the same oath in all the four places, and if he designed
to swear by St. Luke's face in those two instances where St Luke is
mentioned, he would have said " Per vultum Lucse," and not " Per
vultum de Luca," for " Per vultum de Luca " cannot signify St. Luke's
face, that is, it is not equivalent to " Per vultum Lucse," the Latin
writers never using " de " by way of periphrasis for the genitive case.
And therefore I take the truth of the matter to be this, that whereas
in every case the king intended to swear " by God's face," or " the face
of Christ," he meant more especially to swear by some particular one
painted by St. Luke, of whose works, as a painter, the antients pre-
tended, as I think the Romanists still do, to have many specimens.
(See Dr. Cave's "Lives of the Apostles," p. 180.) Thus the faces of
Christ being various, first his real face ; secondly his veronica, or his
face impressed upon the handkerchief, concerning which seeCalmet's
Diet, in voc. ; and thirdly this painting by St. Luke ; the King chose
to swear by this last, and this last might very well be expressed by
"Per sanctum vultum de Luca," that is, " de Luca factum." The
conclusion is that the usual oath of King William Rufus, was not by
St. Luke's face, but by the face of Christ, depicted by St. Luke, who
is said to have been very skillful in that profession ; is at this day the
reputed patron of the painters ; and concerning whom and his works,
as an artist, much, I presume, may be seen in a tract of Greyer the
12
I78
Social Manners and Customs.
Jesuit (and something probably about his portraitures of Jesus Christ);
but for my part I have not the book by me.
PAUL GEMSEGE.
Crossing the Equator.
[1792, PP- 412-414-]
As I never remember reading in any of your magazines an account
of the fun usual on board ships on crossing the line, I will extract
from a letter on board an Indiaman, giving an account of it ; and as
every custom, however ridiculous it may have dwindled into (as for
instance, swearing at Highgate) has had a salutary foundation, I should
wish some of your numerous readers, or your philanthropic self, would
be pleased to tell me from what occasion it arose. Time that is
employed in investigation must be of general utility, for it often
draws, if not a satisfactory conclusion of our own, a wise one from a
better informed man ; so, good Mr. Urban, call upon some of your
many friends, and fix an opinion about it.
A RAMBLER.
" But I must tell you the fun above board, etc., and for which preparation had
been making all the morning ; it is customary to play tricks upon all water travel-
lers that have never been in South latitudes, and the sailors look upon it as a
privilege to make themselves as merry as they can. Passengers generally, by a
moderate quantity of liquor, avoid the honour of the ceremony ; but, should an
unfortunate one prove restive, the watery gods would become very boisterous.
A sailor representing Neptune, curiously rigged with a trident and stock fish at
the top of it, with thick oakham to burlesque flowing locks, is mounted upon one
of the ship's gratings, by way of a triumphal car ; on his left, Madam Amphy-
trite, bedizened in the full fashion of Portsmouth Point ; with this distinction, she
appeared big with child, which we should suppose rather unusual with the Point
ladies ; they were dragged (I beg pardon) they were drawn upon the quarter deck
by two Africans, and attended by a numerous retinue of inferior Gods ; and, what
was unexpectedly well timed,* Amphytrite insisted on freedom being given to the
Africans, swearing that the Gods would never countenance the inhuman Slave-
trade. On approaching the captain of the ship, Neptune congratulated him on
his quick passage, and told him, in consequence of his good treatment of his chil-
dren, the British sailors, he had given him a Southerly wind, and should continue
to look to him the rest of his voyage ; at this moment the ladies came on the
quarter deck, which induced Mrs. Amphytrite to dismount from her car, and
tottering towards them, leaning on a piece of old broomstick, thus began :
" Sweet young damsels I greet you ; I've conducted many of you to India ; be
of good cheer ; it's what we must all come to [stroking her belly] ; never fear,
sweet young damslets ; India's the place for Nabobs and arrack ; and if old
fogrum [turning to Neptune] should offer to do any thing to discompose you, I
will [shaking her stick at him] — d n me tight, if I don't."
"Neptune, who perhaps knew the force of stick argument, gave her a kiss,
which produced a most engaging leer, from a pair of as squinting eyes as you ever
!>aw ; not upon the God, but upon the fair dames : — ' But, damslets of my heart,
* You will not be surprized at this, when I tell you, I have often since seen this
honest tar with a volume of Shakespeare.
Crossing the Equator. 179
you have not seen our Wallet de Shavre ;* we never travel without him ; look at
him !' A sailor with bushy spun yarn, half flowered, with three large horse
combs, and a rusty piece of iron to shave with, made his advance. If you had
seen the figure, and the extended broom-stick, turning him round to advantage,
you must have laughed most heartily.
" The captain told them the quantity of grog they were to be regaled with, and
that he hoped they would conduct themselves with propriety ; Amphytritet
wielded her stick, and swore by her power they should : she then remounted the
car, and the procession moved slowly on by beat of drum ; but not before the
Goddess had sung to the ladies with great humour : ' When I was young, I
'could bill like a dove," etc.
" They proceeded into the waste, where a large tub of water was placed with
a plank over it, in order to introduce the new-comers to a Southern latitude;
on catching a novice, he was brought before the judge, who was too arbitrary to
hear an answer, but ordered the Wallet de Shavre to proceed ; in an instant his
face is covered with the hard-to-be-rubbed-out mixture of tar and grease, and the
rusty iron rasped over it ; he is then asked, if he had ever crossed the Line before ;
on answering ' No,' he is in hopes they have finished with him ; they bid him
say ' God save the King,' which obliging him to open his mouth, the wit then
is to stick a piece of tarred rope in it ; in the confusion, the seat is easily drawn
from under him, and souse he ducks into the tub ; in this ' buck -basket ' situation
several buckets of water are thrown over him, and he is pushed forward amongst
his laughing comrades. This ducking across the Line, as it is called, frees them
for ever after ; and I could not help observing, how anxious and active the first
sufferers were to get others into the same situation. After the sailors had finished,
the soldiers began, and I do not believe one escaped ; they did not seem at first
to relish it, but seeing others as dirty as themselves, it ended in general laughter,
and in two hours Neptune and his wife dwindled into mortals. They do say,
the lady is already very drunk ; I believe it, for she has met with a great deal of
applause, and a copious quantity of grog, and I hear her stammering away in the
steerage.
" She has done me the honor of calling in my cabin, and drinking a stiff glass
of grog ; at the same time assuring me, by a mortal squeeze of the hand, that she
was sure, 'I loved a sailor dearly,' and that she hoped 'sailors and soldiers
would always fight hard and drink hard together.' I shewed my approval by
another glass of grog ; and, I am very well assured, we parted frien.ls ; and where
was the harm of it ? For when sailors and soldiers have the privilege (of the day)
to do their best to be happy, it is the duty of every man (that is only an allowed
superior) to endeavour to make them so.
" I wonder from whence this curious custom arose ; but I am sure it is so
rooted a one that, if a ship was not to be granted it, it would occasion a danger-
ous cabal amongst the crew. Who knows but Vasco de Gama, who was always
so happy in a ready thought, might have been the framer of it, to keep up the
hearts of his men, previous to his doubling the Cape in his great perilous voyage?
)5ut, whoever he was, he had a wise head ; for long voyages require a bustle every
now and then to keep the devil out of the sailors' heads. Trade winds are
pleasant, but too insipid ; a ship is sometimes a month without having occasion to
touch a rope ; and sometimes so becalmed, as to be almost as long without ad-
vancing a degree ; of course a languor ensues ; which is a time for bad men to l>e
thinking evil ihemselves, and working it up in others. In foul weather they have
enough to do ; but it would be a good practice on a calm evening to pipe all
* Why should not sailors as well have their Wallet de Shavres, as beaus their
Valet de Chambres?
t This man is not only a compleat humourist, but has a cast of countenance
that immediately tells it : he often when singing reminds me of Edwin.
12 — 2
i8o Social Manners and C^^stoms.
hands to drum, fife, and dance ; for what can be more harmless than kicking bad
thoughts out of the head, than the cheerful sound of the drum, exhilarated with a
well-timed glass of grog, or more salutary callibogus (which is never spared in
this ship). When they are tired with dancing, they should be encouraged to sing
and telltales : there are always some capital fellows in this way, and 1 have often
listened with delight to the rude unlettered songs of the forecastle, and to the
brave soldiers upon nightly guard.
" Thus, my friend, have I endeavoured to describe, as faithfully as I can, what
I have now twice been an eye witness of; and I am persuaded (though I have
often heard it ridiculed), when conducted with the laugh and manner of this day,
it is not only useful amongst the men, but as well worth seeing as a farce, and
was performed by characters as valuable as any in the world — by British Sailors !—
As to dirty faces, there is an Ocean around us, to wash them clean ; and there is
never danger of taking cold from an immersion in salt water."
Lamb's- Wool and other Customs.
(i784,/. 343.]
I shall trouble you with a few remarks on Lamb's wool, in addition
to those of your correspondents in the last number of your excellent
Magazine. [See sub voce Christmas in the section on ' Days and
Seasons.']
I have often met with it in Ireland, where it is a constant ingredient
at a merry-making on Holy-eve, or the evening before All Saints day ;
and it is made there by bruising roasted apples and mixing them
with ale, or sometimes with milk. Formerly, when the superior
ranks of people were not too refined for these periodical meetings of
jollity, white-wine was frequently substituted for ale. To Lamb's-
wool, apples and nuts are added as a necessary part of the entertain-
ment, and the young folks amuse themselves with burning nuts in
fairs, on the bar of the grate, or among the warm embers, to \yhich
they give their name and that of their lovers, or those of their friends
who are supposed to have such attachments, and from the manner
of their burning and duration of the flame, etc, drew such inferences
respecting the constancy or strength of their passions, as usually
promote mirth and good humour.
I happened to reside last year near Chepstow in Monmouthshire ;
and there for the first time heard of Mothering Sunday. My enquiries
into the origin and meaning of it were fruitless ; but the practice
thereabouts was, for all servants and apprentices, on Midlent Sunday,
to visit their parents, and make them a present of money, a trinket,
or some nice eatable ; and they are all anxious not to fail in this
custom.
There is an ancient custom in some parts of South Wales, which
is, I believe, peculiar to that country, and still practised at the
marriages of servants, trades-folks,' and little farmers. It is called a
bidding, and is of real use. For before the wedding, an entertain-
ment is provided to which all the friends of each party are bid, or
* So called by sailors : spruce-beer mixed with grog.
Drinkings at Churck Stiles. 181
invited, and to which none fail to bring or send some contribution,
from a cow or a calf down to half a crown or a shilling. Nor can
this be called absolutely a present, because an account of each is kept,
and if the young couple do well, it is expected that they should give
as much at any future bidding of their generous guests. I have
frequently known of ^50 being thus collected ; and have heard of a
bidding which produced even a hundred, to a couple who were much
beloved by their neighbours ; and thereby enabled to begin the world
with comfort [See ante page 67.]
D. A.B.
Drinkings at Church- Stiles.
[1852, p. 442.]
In the review of the last edition of Pepys' diary, in our Magazine
for March 1849, at p. 214, it was suggested that the noble Editor had
mistaken the word church-ale, in a passage where Pepys says, "that on
the 1 8th April, 1661, after dinner we all went to the church-stile and
there eat and drank." As a proof that Lord Braybrooke's reading is
correct, a correspondent of " Notes and Queries " has transcribed a
minute passed at a Warrington vestry meeting, April loth, 1732.
" That hereafter no money be spent on ye 5th Nov'r, nor on any
other state day, on the parish account, either at the church-stile or
any other place." At the close of the same book is an account which
shows the custom in full vigour in the year 1 688 :
Payd the 5th of November, to the ringers, in money
and drink - 23. od
For drink at the church-steele - - 135. od.
Pins Found in Coffins.
[1834, p. 592.]
A few years ago, in removing the old church at Oldswinford,
Worcestershire, there was an unavoidable exposure of coffins and
human remains, and in one of the coffins a lady was found full-dressed
in ancient costume, and an enormous multitude of pins in her dress
and lying strewed about Was this connected with superstitious
motives, or in what other way may the presence of the pins be
accounted for ?
t Local Customs.
LOCAL CUSTOMS.
On the Antient Tenure called Drengage.
[1821, Part II., pp. 30-34.]
TH ER E is a species of Tenure in the North of England, called Dren-
gage, frequently mentioned in various records, which has caused
great diversity of opinion as to its nature ; and I believe it is not yet
settled whether it was a free tenure or one of villenage and servility.
If the following observations, made during a search after other
matters, tend to throw the least light on the subject, they are heartily
at your service.
The word is Anglo-Saxon, and to be found in most of the dialects
of the Gothic.
There are three authors of note who advocate the claim of this
tenure to the rank of petty serjeantry; Blount, in his book of
Tenures, and Law Dictionary ; Dr. Hickes, in the Thesaurus, and
Sir Henry Spelman, in his Glossary and Remains.
Blount says, the Drenches orDrengs were free, and held by knight-
service ; but this is a borrowed opinion merely, as is manifest from his
quotation of a MS. Domesday Book, and his reference to Spelman.
The quotation from the manuscript is a garbled and imperfect
passage from a transcript of the original, which passage will be given
correctly hereafter.
Dr. Hickes also thought drengage was a knight-service, in proof of
which he quotes a grant or charter of Ralph, Bishop of Durham, of
the time of William I. " R. birceop 2pete]> pell alle hir pemer •}
bpenjer op Galonbrape j Nophamrcipe," etc. which he renders, " R.
Episcopus omnibus suis Ministris, et Militibus Lindisfarnensis Insulse,
et pagi Norhamensis, salutem dicit," etc.
The Doctor gives " militibus " as the meaning of " bpenjer," partly
because it is so rendered in the Sharnborne pedigree :
1 86 Local Customs.
" In hac versione," says he, " bnenjer reddidi militibus, et eadem significatione
gaudere censes in historia Camilla: de Sharnborne, qu;u extat in Reliquiis Spel-
mannis ;" and that " ipsi in posterium vocarentur Drenges, i. e. ut ego puto,
Millies, a cimbrico tirnngr, vir strenuus, Cortis, et synecdochice Miles. — Sic in
Edda Icelandorum, Mythol. xlii. ffifior girt bi bra "assgaiti arm bngur tirtiimv;
Thor ex Asgardio profectus est in formfL juvenis Militis. — Sic in historia Styrbior-
nonis Suecici, quod extat in commentariis Christian! Worraii ad Ara: multiscii
scedas : nu rr ban mat&at fiioiten i Imingla lit) gtingcnn ; nunc proCectus est
Daniae Rex ad Militum copias. — Sic etiam In ©lafs Sana, CGacb ami in, quaD
ttfeia, Snnuv tircngr; Intro i, inquit Vidua, miselle Miles.— Sic, denique, in
Pfecibarat &aga ; cap. v. p. 68. tn atal bit) cirn oroaio fctya braustra BrtingU
nrmnr Iiuguilnli; Alter robustorum Milituai contra alterum pugnabit, nisi
animus Catiscat."
Although Dr. Hickes appears to have been determined in his
translation of these several quotations from the Icelandic, by the •
Sharnborne paper, and the signification of the word in the Cimbric,
he, nevertheless, in his " Dictionariolum," gives the Icelandic word
ttrtngr, famulus. — Now, according to his own shewing, the Icelandic
is but a dialect of the Gothic through the Cimbric, and the word
being the same in both tongues, I apprehend the meaning should
also be so ; why, therefore, should he say in one instance miles, and in
the other famulus ?
With regard to the history of the Sharnborne family, published by
Gibson in Sir Henry Spelman's Remains, little need be said ; for it is
now universally acknowledged not to be a genuine document. It
was probably compiled by some intriguing Monk in the latter part of
the reign of Hen. VII. or early in that of Hen. VIII., who found his
account in flattering the family.
Mr. Parkin, in his " Impartial Account of the Invasion of William
Duke of Normandy," 410. 1757, Mr. Brooke in the Archaeologia, and
Dr. Brady, declare their conviction of its being a forgery ; and it is
allowed to be so by Tyrrel, in his History, voL ii. p. 51, 52 ; though
Mr. Hume calls him "a pertinacious defender of his party notions."
Dugdale also thought it genuine, and the original is deposited
among his MSS. in the Ashmolean Museum, whence Spelman had it.
The objectionable passage is as follows :
" Propter quod, idem Edwynus et alii quidam, qui ejecti Cuerunt, abierunt ad
Conquestorem, et dixerunt ei, quod nunquam ante conquestum suum, nee post,
fuerunt contra ipsum Regem in concilio, et anxilio ; sed tenuerunt se in pace, et
hoc parati Cuerunt probari, quomodo ipse Rex vellet ordinare ; propter quod idem
Rex fecit inquirendum per totam Angliam, si ita fuit quod quidem probatum Cuit ;
propter quod idem Rex praecipit ut omnes ill! qui sic tenuerunt se in pace in Corml
pra'dicta, quod ipsi retinuerunt omnes terras et dominationes suas adeo integre, et
in pace, ut unquam habuerant et tenuerant ante Conquestum suum."
In Spelman's Glossary, in voc. Drenches, Drenges, and Dren-
gagium, Sir Henry says :
"Voces altius sopilx, et qua? me diu torsere. — Domesd. till. Cestrens. Roger
I'ictavens. Neuton ; Ilujus Manerii aliam Hiram \v homines quos Drenches
vocabant pro xv maneriis tcncbant. Titt. cisdem in villa \Vallinyton ; ad ipsum
On the Antient Tenure called Drengage. 187
Manerium pertinebant xxxiv drenches, et totidem Maneria habehant.— In exordio
Chartse autiqute illius seculi, Alg. Prior, et totus Conventus Ecclesiae S. Cuthberti,
Edwino, et omnibus Teignis, et Drengis, et omnibus hominibus S. Cuthberti de
Goldinghamshire, Salutem, etc. — Clarumest Drenches istos fuisse egenere vassalo-
runi et servorum domesticorum (qui hodie apud Danos vocarentur in sing. Dreng,
in plurali Drenge, ut mihi est Author Axilius Jul. Dan.) non ignobilium, cum
singuli, qui in Dumesd. nominantur, singula possiderunt maneria. — Quod igitur in
charta lego Teignis, et Drengis, et hominibus ; subintelligo Baronibus, militibus,
et libere Tenentibus ; Drengosq. pariter Militaris quid obsequii polliceri."
If Spelman had luckily continued his quotation of the passage
from Domesday to the end, he had not deceived himself, nor misled
Blount : the lines are :
" Huj'. M. alia' t'ram xv ho'es quos drenches vocabant p. xv M. teneb'. sed
huj'. M. *bereuuich". erant, & int'. om's. xxx solid", reddeb". — Huj'. hund'. ho'es.
lib'i. pt ii°. erant in eadem consuetud'. qua ho'es derberiie. & plus illis ij diebus in
Augusto metebant in culturis Regis. Modo sunt ibi vi drenghs & xii. vill'i & iij
bord'."
In Wallington we have :
" Rex E. tenuit Walintune cu'. iij *Bereuuich'. ad ipsu'. M p'tineb". xxxii
drenghs, & todidem M. habeb'. in quib'. erant xlii caracals t'ne & una hida &
dimid'."
Which may be rendered : The remainder of the land of this manor
was held by fifteen men, called Drenches, for fifteen manors ; but
they were beverches belonging to the manor, and paid but thirty shillings
rent among them all. The free men of the hundred, with two
exceptions, were bound by the same customs as the beverches, and,
besides the two reap-days in August, they mowed on the King's lands.
— There are now six drengs, and twelve villains, and four bordarii.
Walinton was held by King Edward with three beverches. To this
manor belonged thirty-three drenghs, and they held so many manors,
hi which were 42 carucates of land, and one hide and a half.
One would not accuse Spelman of quoting just so much of these
passages as served his purpose, without giving the remainder that
made against him ; but, if he had given the whole, the construction
must have differed widely from the one he has put upon it
It is needless here to speak of the existing hatred between the
Normans and Saxons, or of the impossibility of the latter holding in
one case 15 manors, and in the other thirty-four. It is manifest, that
these drenches were villains of the soil, and held the lands of Newton
and Walinton among them, by a Saxon customary tenure, which was
permitted to remain unmolested by their successors the Normans.
In Newton, these fifteen drenches paid among them, for their
fifteen manors, no more than thirty shillings rent, the remainder
being made up by bodily labour.
* Beverches, corrupted by the Norman scribe into bereuuich", were persons who
performed two days' work at reaping.
i88 Local Citstoms.
With regard to the charters of the Bishop of Durham, and Prior of
St. Cuthbert; such empty addresses were not unusual among the
great Landholders in the Norman reign, to the broken-spirited Saxons,
who had but lately been ousted from their possessions, and converted
into mere tenants of their own soil by their oppressors. Thus far the
supporters of the opinion for free tenure. By the quotations from
Domesday, under Newton and Wallington, given above, there can be
no doubt that drengage was considered a base tenure ; and the follow-
ing grants and observations upon them, serve but to confirm the idea
more strongly.
Dr. Burne, in the History of Cumberland and Westmorland [vol.
i. pp. 21-22], observes, that "Sir Hugh Morville changed drengage in
Westmorland into free service," which implies that it was not free before.
This Sir Hugh lived in the reign of Henry II. In Clifton, Clibburne,
Lowther, Brougham, and Melkanthorpe, in the county of Westmor-
land, this tenure of drengage existed, as appears by inquisition 3 Ed.
III., to a considerable extent.
Gilbert de Burgham, temp. Joh. et Hen. III., gave half of the
village of Brougham, with the advowson of the Church there, to his
Lord Robert de veteriponte, of whom he held hi drengage, that the
other half might be free from that service.
31 Ed. III. Gilbert, son of Gilbert de Engayne, Lord of Clifton,
granted to Roger de Clifford Lord of Westmorland, by indenture,
the services of John Richardson, and several others by name, hold-
ing in drengage, with their bodies and all that belonged to them (cum
eorum corporibus et eorum sequelis) for life, to the said Roger, and
to the heirs of the said Roger during the life of the said Gilbert, if
the said Roger should die before him. By another deed, 38th of
same reign, the said Gilbert granted to William Wybergh, and his
heirs and assigns, all his bondmen, with all belonging to them (omnes
bondos et natives meos, et eorum sequelas).
Again, 4oth of same reign, the said Gilbert de Engayne gives to
William de Wyburgh and Elianore his wife, and the heirs of their
bodies, lawfully begotten, his whole moiety of a moiety of the manor
of Clifton in demesne, and the services, with the services of the free
tenants, and with the bondmen (cum nativis et eorum sequelis) to the
said moiety of the moiety of the said manor belonging.
It seems then, that the drengs were tenants in pure villenage,
bound to the lord, and annexed to the manor, and that they were
usually sold with the farm to which they belonged, as mere drudges,
to perform the most servile and laborious offices.
Sir Matthew Hale, on the Veteriponte charter, observes,- that
"Three kinds of rents and tenures were common here, which the Southern
counties of England were not acquainted with : — I. White farms of the tenants,
which was the ordinary rent. 2. A service called Coinage, paid by the knights
On the Antient Tenure called Drengage. 189
and free tenants ; and 3, a service or tenure called drengage, which was not a
kntghfs service."
The second and third shew the service of a border county, and
consequently, therefore, would not be known in the South.
In the county of Durham, Nicholas de Oxenhale, as appears by
Inquisition 9 Ed. III.
"Ten', de d'no. Episcopo in capite maner'. de Oxenhale per horn', et fid', et
servic'. xlr. et faciet tres sect', ad Com'. Dun", per an', et faciet quartam partem
unius drengagii, scilicet quod aret quatuor acras, et seminet de semine Episcopi, et
herciet et faciet quatuor *p'cac'o'es in Autumpno, scil' tres de omnibus hominibus
suis cum tola familia domus excepta husewia, et quartam cum uno homine de
quacunque domo, excepta propria domo sua, quae quieta erit ; et custodiet canem
et equum per quartam partem anni, et facietf vervare qu' fueritin Episcopatum."
Drengage appears also to have existed, in very early times, in the
county of Nottingham ; for in a grant of Henry I. to Richard le
Fleming, of lands in Cuckney, one Gamelbere is mentioned, "qui
fuit vetus dreyinge ante conquestum."
In the Scots tongue this word was lately in use, and had the signifi-
cation which is attributed to it in the construction of these Grants
and Charters. Dr. Jamieson says, it meant " one in a servile state,
perhaps expressive of equal contempt with the designation, slave." —
In Sir David Lindsay's Poems, 4to., 1592 :
" I half heir, I to the tell,
Ane nobile kaip imperiele,
Quhilk is not ordanit for ttritigis,
But for Duckis, Empriouris, and Kingis,
For princely and imperiall fulis."
Perhaps it is used in a similar degree by Pol wart in 1657 :
"Dead dring, dryd sting, thou wilt hing."
And in Bannatyne's Poems, 1568 :
" Wer thair ane king to vax and ring,
Amang gude fallowis cround,
Wrechis wakl wring and mak murnyng
For dule they suld be dround ;
Quha finds ane dring, owdir auld or ying,
Gar hoy him out and hound."
Dr. Jamieson adds, however, afterwards, that " it primarily signified
vir fortis ; and even in its secondary and modern sense, implies no
idea of meanness ; except what may be viewed as attached to a state
of servitude." There is an appearance of contradiction between
the Doctor's first and last observation, which I cannot jeconcile.
Although some may think the drengs were, during the Saxon pera,
knights or even free tenants, it appears sufficiently manifest, I suppose,
•* Quatuor p'cac'o'es, four days' work. f Faciet vwvare, pay tribute.
Local Ciistoms.
from what has been said, that they were never generally considered so
in the Norman reigns ; probably, the utter contempt of these people
for every thing Saxon might tend to derogate the name from its
original meaning, and convert it into a term of servility and base-
ness. [See Ellis's ' Introduction to Domesday,' i. 56-58.]
Yours, etc.
W. R. WHATTON.
Abingdon.
[i782,/. 558.]
Riding through Abingdon in Berks, early in one of the first Sundays
in October, I found the people in the street at the entrance of the
town very busy in adorning the outside of their houses with boughs of
trees and garlands of flowers, and the paths were strewed with rushes.
One house was distinguished by a greater number of garlands than
the rest, and some were making to be fixed at the ends of poles. On
enquiring the reason, I was told that it was usual to have this cere-
mony performed in the street in which the new mayor lived, on the
first Sunday that he went to church after his election.
S. H.
Alnwick.
[1756. PP- 73-74-]
I know of no custom which is peculiar to this place, except the manner
of making freemen of Alnwick Common, which is indeed not less sin-
gular than ridiculous. The persons that are to be made free, or as the
phrase is, that are to '• leap the well," assemble in the market-place very
early in the morning on the 25th April, being St. Mark's Day. They
are on horseback, with every man his sword by his side, dressed in
white with white night caps, and attended by the four chamberlains and
the castle bailiffe, who are also mounted and armed in like manner.
From the market-place they proceed in great order, with music playing
before them, to a large dirty pool, called the Freemen's Well, on the
confines of the common. Here they draw up in a body at some
distance from the water, and then all at once rush into it, like a herd
of swine, and scramble thro' the mud as fast as they can. As the
water is generally breast high and very foul, they come out in a con-
dition not much better than the heroes of the Dunciad after diving in
Fleet ditch ; but dry cloathes being ready for them on the other side,
they put them on with all possible expedition, and then taking a
dram, remount their horses, and ride full galop round the whole con-
fines of the district, of which, by this achievment, they are become
free. After having completed this circuit, they again enter the town,
sword in hand, and are generally met by women dressed up with
ribbons, bells and garlands of gum-flowers, who welcome them with
Basingstoke. 191
dancing and singing, and are called timber-waits (perhaps a corrup-
tion of timbrel-waits, players on timbrels, waits being an old word for
those who play on musical instruments in the streets). The heroes
then proceed in a body till they come to the house of one of their
company, where they leave him, having first drank another dram ; the
remaining number proceed to the house of the second, with the same
ceremony, and so of the rest, till the last is left to go home by him-
self. The houses of the new freemen are on this day distinguished
by a great holly-bush, which is planted in the street before them, as a
signal for their friends to assemble and make merry with them at their
return. This strange ceremony is said to have been instituted by
King John, in memory of his having once bogged his horse in this
pool, now called the Freemen's Well. [Hazlitt's Bloun(» Tenures,
pp. 5-6.]
Basingstoke.
[1809, Part I., pp. 32-33.]
The venerable Elm-tree, near Deane's alms-houses, at Basingstoke,
which had long, by its magnitude and antiquity, attracted the notice
of strangers, has lately been cut down. It measured 21 feet in the
girth, in the thickest part near the root, and 14 feet at four feet from
the ground. The trunk was much decayed, and a considerable part
of it reduced to almost a shell ; but upwards, in the branches, the
tree seemed to be in the full vigour of vegetation. As it was consi-
dered dangerous to the neighbouring houses, it was sold by public sale
for £6 ; which, after it was cut down, was thought too much, as the
greatest portion of it was fit only for fuel.
This tree stood at the junction of three roads ; and it seems to
have been a custom with our ancestors to plant Elms in such situa-
tions ; many instances of which may still be met with. For what
reason this was done, does not readily appear. Perhaps they were
planted as memorials of some public important events ; as it has been
said, this tree was planted in the year of the Revolution ; and by
some, on the discovery of the Gunpowder Plot ; or possibly at the
Revolution.
In the Sacred History, we find, that on the occasion of Abraham's
covenant with Abimelech, the Patriarch " planted a grove," or tree,
as the Hebrew word is rendered in the margin, and in other passages ;
"and called there upon the name of the Lord," Gen. xxi. 33; agree-
ably, no doubt, to the institutes of the Patriarchal Religion. This
practice was afterwards abused to superstition and idolatry ; for which
reason groves or green trees were commanded to be cut down. Deut.
xii. 2; xvi. 21. The antient idolaters used to " burn incense upon
the hills, under oaks, and poplars, and elms ; because the shadow
thereof was good" Hos. iv. 13. In Greece we meet, in very early
1 92 Local Cristoms.
times, with the famous oracle of Jupiter at the oaks of Dodona.
Among the Greeks and Romans, the oak was sacred to Jupiter, even
to a proverb. The heathen Goddess Diana was called Trivia ; as
Varro thinks, because her image was erected by the Greeks in triviis,
in places where three roads met And it appears that the country-
people used, on certain days, to sing some mournful ditty at the junc-
tion of three roads (per trivia) in honour of Diana or Proserpine, in
imitation of Ceres searching for her when she had been snatched
away by Pluto, with a mournful noise along the roads, or where three
roads meet To this kind of musick and custom Virgil alludes, Eel.
Hi. 26 :
" Non tu in Iriviis, indocte, solebas
Strident! miserum stipula disperdere carmen."
And again, Mn. vii. 778 :
" Unde etiam templo Trivia lucisque sacratis."
It is a remarkable circumstance, that the ceremony of tracing the
boundaries of the parish of Basingstoke commences from the very
place where the great Elm-tree stood, with an act of religious worship ;
a Psalm being sung by the parish-clerk and others assembled on the
occasion. This is a relick of the antient Popish processions in the
perambulation of parishes ; and which originally might be derived
from the Heathen custom.
Parkhurst says, the Elm " may have its Hebrew name from a word
signifying to ' interpose,' to ' intervene,' for protection ; from its
remarkably interposing and protecting men and animals from storms
and tempests. The LXX. have once rendered it descriptively by
Asvdjouj aus^ia^otlog, the overshadowing tree. Hos. iv. 13." Virgil
takes notice of the Elm, as possessing this property :
" In medio ramos annosaque brachia pandit
Ulmus, opaca, ingens." — JEn. vi. 282.
On this account, our ancestors may also have had a predilection for
this tree, as its friendly shade might protect the traveller from the
storm and tempest.
Your insertion of the above remarks, Mr. Urban, may, perhaps,
induce some Correspondent to give your Readers a more satisfactory
reason for Elms being so frequently met with at the junction of public
roads, and will oblige
J- J-
* See ante on " Land Marks and Boundaries," p. 47.
Birmingham. 193
Birmingham (Aston).
[1795, Part /., p. HO.]
Should the following account of a very whimsical custom which
takes place annually on the 24th of December at the house of Sir
• Holt, Bart., of Aston, juxta Birmingham, appear new to you, and
worth inserting, I shall beg the favour of you to give it a corner in
your valuable Miscellany.
On this day, as soon as supper is over, a table is set in the hall ;
on it is placed a brown loaf, with twenty silver threepences stuck on
the top of it, a tankard of ale, with pipes and tobacco ; and the two
oldest servants have chairs behind it, to sit in as judges, if they please.
The steward brings the servants, both men and women, by one at a
time, covered with a winnow-sheet, and lays their right hand on the
loaf, exposing no other part of the body. The oldest of the two
judges guesses at the person by naming a name, then the younger
judge, and, lastly, the oldest again. If they hit upon the right name,
the steward leads the person back again ; but, if they do not, he takes
off the winnow-sheet, and the person receives a thr epence, makes low
obeisance to the judges, but speaks not a word. When the second
servant was brought, the younger judge guessed first and third ; and
this they did alternately, till all the money was given away. Whatever
servant had not slept in the house the preceding night forfeited his
right to the money. No account is given of the origin of this strange
custom, but it has been practised ever since the family lived there.
When the money is gone, the servants have full liberty to drink, dance,
sing, and go to bed when they please.
Yours, etc., R. W. UNETT.
Bodmin.
[1823, Part I., p. 582.]
An ancient custom, uniformly observed in the town of Bodmin in
Cornwall, appears to me deserving of being recorded in the pages of
the Gentleman's Magazine. About eight o'clock in the evening, the
bell of that church is regularly tolled, and which the inhabitants call
" the Curfew bell." After a pause of a few minutes the bell is again
struck as many times as corresponds with the day of the month. I
am not aware if the present observance of this institution of the
Conqueror's is peculiar to Bodmin, or whether it also exists in other
towns in England ; but I believe I am correct in saying that it is the
only place in Cornwall where the Curfew bell is tolled. Perhaps
some of your readers may afford information on the subject ; and at
the same time when they speak of what other places the custom is
13
194 Local Customs.
continued in, state how far the striking the day of the month is
connected with the Curfew, and if it is a custom of equal antiquity
[see note 65].
.A*
Barford.
[1824, Partl^ p. 392.]
It appeared when an account was taken of bequests made for
charitable purposes in the parish of Barford St. Michael's, co. Oxford,
before the Commissioners appointed to investigate such donations at
Banbury, that the rent of a certain piece of land, called White-bread-
close in that parish, was formerly appropriated to the purchase of
bread, which was thrown amongst the people to be scrambled for at
the Church-door ; — a circumstance which occasioned such scenes of
indecent riot and outrage, even fighting in the church itself, that a
late Curate very properly effected the suppression of a practice pro-
ductive of this gross abuse. The rent is now bestowed in a much
more rational manner, being distributed to the poor in coal at Christ-
mas. The boys, it seems, in a former period, assembled from the
neighbouring parishes, as well as the people of Barford, on the anni-
versary of this whimsical, but to them highly interesting exhibition.
For a very aged gentleman of another village in the vicinity, is said to
have recollected, when a boy, taking an active part in the scramble ;
when he was so fortunate as to possess himself of a white loaf,
and bore it off in triumph.
The author of the " Convivial Antiquities " thus describes the rites
at marriages, in his country and time :
" Antiijuum eatur in Templura jfnlacitlum Sponsa: et invitatis apponitur ;
Serin atque Corollic di>tribuuntur. 1'ostea certo ordine Viri primum cum Sponso,
deinde Pttellie cum Sfonsa, in 'Icmplum procedunt. Peracta re diving Sponsa ad
Sponsi Domum deducitur, indeque faitis projicitur, qui a Pueris certatim rapitur."*
Here we have an exact representation of what took place at Barford,
with this difference only : in the latter case, the theatre of action was
the Church and the Church-door ; in the former, with much greater
propriety, the bridegroom's house.
It may be probably conjectured, that one of the Shepherds (an
opulent family, once great proprietors and residents at Barford) was
the founder of this charity, on the happy event of his marriage, and
took this strange method of perpetuating the memory of it.
Yours, etc., H. D. B.
* Brand's Antiquities, note, p. 334. [Ellis's Edit. vol. ii., p. 113, note.]
Caistor* 195
Caistor.
[1799, Part II., p. 940.]
Mr. Young, in his view of the agriculture of the county of Lincoln,
p. 21, has this story :
" At Thong Castor, on Whitsuntide, the lord of the manor has a right to whip
the parson in the pulpit. I was told of this strange tenure, but do not vouch for
the truth of it."
The authors of the British Critic for September last, p. 269, have
these sensible strictures on Mr. Young and account of this custom :
"A custom so singular as that here alluded to de-served a little farther enquiry.
We have obtained some information concerning it, for which the Secretary, in
galloping through the county, could not be expected to wait. The manor of
Broughton is held of the lord of the manor of Castor, or of Harden, a hamlet in
the parish of Castor, by the following service. On P.ilm-Sunday, a person from
Broughton attends with a new cart whip, or whip-gad (as they call it in Lincoln-
shire), made in a particular manner j and, after cracking it three times in the
church-porch, marches with it upon his shoulder through the middle aile into the
choir, where he takes his place in the lord of the manor's seat. There he remains
till the minister comes to the second lesson : he then quits the seat with his gad,
having a purse that ought to contain 30 silver pennies (for which, however, of late
years, half-a-crown has been substituted) fixed to the end of its lash, and kneeling
down on a cushion, or mat, before the reading-desk, he holds the purse suspended
over the minister's head all the time he is reading this second lesson ; after which
he returns to his seat. The whip and purse are left at the manor-house. Some
ingenious persons have devised a reason for every circumstance of this ceremony.
They suppose that the 30 pennies are meant to signify the 30 pieces of silver men-
tioned in the second lesson, which Judas received to betray his master ; that the
three cracks of the whip in the porch allude to Peter's denying the Lord thrice,
etc. We recommend to Antiquaries a more minute enquiry concerning this
custom than it was possible for us to make."
Mr. Camden and Mr. Blount take no notice of the custom, which
is, however, to be found in the Additions to the last edition of the
Britannia, vol. ii. p. 276, from the Rev. Mr. Bransby's communication
to the Spalding Society. Whether this whip-gad, q. d. whip-goad
(5ab, 5abbe, jobe), goad with a leather thong instead of an iron point,
has a reference to the Saxon name Dpanjctartep, T/wng Castor,
synonymous to the British Caer Egany, in a fancied allusion to the
story of the foundation of Byrsa, the citadel of Carthage, by the cutting
a bull's hide into thongs to measure out the site, may not be an im-
probable conjecture, for want of a better, on the uncertain origin of
many of our local or jocular tenures. The British word for a thong
(Jorum), in Lluyd's Archa;ologia, is kariac.
D. H.
[1822, Part I. , p. 364.]
The old and singular custom of cracking the gad, or whip, in Castor
Church, on Palm Sunday has been again performed. An estate at
13—2
Local Customs.
Broughton, near Brigg, is held by this custom. On the morning of Palm
Sunday, the gamekeeper, some servant on the estate, brings with him a
large gad or whip, with a long thong ; the stock is made of the moun-
tain ash, or wickin tree, and tied to the end of it is a leather purse,
containing 30 pence (said to have in it formerly 30 pieces of silver) ;
while the Clergyman is reading the first lesson (Exodus ix.) the man
having the whip cracks it three times in the church porch, and then
wraps the thong round the stock, and brings it on to his shoulder
through the church, to a seat in the chancel, where he continues till
the second lesson is read (Matthew xxvi.) ; he then brings the gad,
and kneeling upon a mat before the pulpit, he waves it three times
over the Clergyman's head (the thong is fastened, as before observed),
and continues to hold it till the whole of the second lesson is read,
when he again returns to his seat, and remains till the service is over.
He then delivers the gad to the occupier of a farm, called Hundon,
half a mile from Castor.
[1820, Part /., //. 496-497.]
Amongst that vast variety of strange Tenures which our ancestors
seem to have industriously exercised their fancy to invent or establish,
I have scarcely heard of one more curious than that which is said to
belong to the Manor of Thongcastor in Lincolnshire, where, accord-
ing to various accounts, li the Lord has a right to whip the Parson in
his Pulpit." Mr. Arthur Young, in his View of the Agriculture of the
above-named County, has hastily glanced at this custom, from the
traditionary report of the neighbourhood ; but unquestionably some of
your intelligent Correspondents are able to afford more particular in-
formation upon the subject, and it will be esteemed a favour, if,
through the medium of your Publication, a credible account of it may
be obtained.
At present all that I learn is, that the Manor of Broughton in
Lindsay, about two miles from Brigg or Glandford Bridge, is holden
under that of Castor, or of Harden, in the parish of Castor, by the
following service ; viz. that annually upon Palm Sunday the Deputy
of the Lord of the Manor of Broughton attends at the Church of
Castor with a new cart-whip in his hand, which he cracks thrice in
the Church Porch, passes with it on his shoulder up the Nave into
the Chancel, and seats himself in the pew of the Lord of the Manor,
where he remains until the Officiating Minister is about to read the
Second Lesson. He then proceeds with his whip, to the lash of
which he has in the interim affixed a purse, which ought to contain
thirty silver pennies (instead of which a single half-crown issubstituted);
and, kneeling down on a cushion, or mat, before the reading-desk,
holds the purse suspended over the Minister's head all the time he is
reading the Lesson ; after which he returns to his seat ; and, when
Caislor. * 197
the Divine Service is over, leaves the whip and purse at the manor-
house.
It is said that the silver pieces have some reference to those which
Judas received as the wages of his iniquity ; and that the three cracks
of the whip in the Church Porch allude to the denial of our blessed
Saviour by St. Peter : but the true rationale of the custom may per-
haps be known to some of your Readers, of whom I venture to
request the favour of such farther particulars as may tend to elucidate
so extraordinary a custom. I believe that an ancient Priory once
stood in the Parish of Broughton : had these practices any reference
to the Monastic Establishment there ? In whom was the Manor
antiently invested, and by whom is it now holden ? By whom was
the service imposed originally, and is it still performed in the manner
above described, or how otherwise ? are questions which I flatter my-
self that your indulgence will allow me respectfully to put to the circle
of your numerous Correspondents ; to whom I have been so often in-
debted for a solution of my doubts on a variety of subjects connected
with Literature and Antiquities, that it would be ungrateful if I did
not mention my obligations, with sentiments of great respect, both to
Mr. Urban, and those by whom the well-established fame of his Mis-
cellany has been so long and so ably maintained : and towards which,
by thus eliciting, or being the means of eliciting knowledge, it affords
me great pleasure in the humblest degree, to contribute.
QUESTOR.
[1822, Part I., p. 290.]
Philarchaios wishes to know the origin of the custom of flourishing
a whip and purse over the head of the Clergyman at Caistor in
Lincolnshire, on Palm Sunday. — Maria has made every enquiry of
her friends from that county, and regrets that the result should be so
little satisfactory ; all she can make out is, that it is a tenure by which
some land is held. The whip is kept at Hoddon, at a farm-house in
the occupation (it is believed) of Mr. John Swan. The person who
has performed the ceremony for many years is Thomas Shaw of
Broughton near Brigg. On the subject of the purse, she can procure
no information whatever, but hopes some correspondent may be able
to tell a better tale, as she is fully sensible hers is a very lame one,
and can only operate as a clue to further investigation.
Chingford.
[1790, p. 788.]
In turning over some old family papers of my grandfather Bunce's
(many years ago rector of Chingford cum Pitsey, in Essex), I found
the inclosed MS. If it contains any thing worth notice, make what
use of it you please.
Local Customs,
To whom this was addressed I cannot say, but plainly to some then
compiler of the history of that county.
Yours, etc. W. BUNCE.
'SiR, Chingford, Nov. . . , 1721.
' Being an absolute stranger to you, you must excuse me if I treat you not in
character : but understanding that you are publishing a history of Essex, I think it
my duty to transmit to you an account of somewhat extraordinary, and perhaps
particular. There is in my parish of Chingford a farm, of about twenty pounds a
year, for which every proprietor is to pay the rector homage once at his instance.
Mr. Haddon, the present owner, shewed me proofs of it from Queen Elizabeth's
time, inclusive, to my time, according to the subjoined form : which notice you had
had from me sooner, but that Mr. Alexander of the Commons undertook to transmit
a copy of what I now send you. I am not certain whether it was last summer, or
the summer before ; but, not knowing whether he has done it or no, you will
excuse my troubling you with this. I must be so just to Mr. Alexander as to let
you know, that when some warm people in the company objected against giving
you any assistance, upon the score of your being a Dissenter, he handsomely main-
tained, that that had no relation to history.
" I have taken the freedom to entertain both the preceding and prefent Bishop
of London with my private conjecture about the origin of such a custom, which is,
that Hen. VIII. might take that farm from the antient glebe, and, giving it to his
falconer, or huntsman, might, by way of atonement, put this feather in the Church's
cap ; for Hen. VIII. was not without a seat or two in this parish. The farm joins
to a glebe grove, and the homage carries all the air of a falconer, or huntsman. If
you think fit upon this, or any other account, to write to me, please to direct, to
Mr. Haslewood, at Mr. Bendysh's, against Princes-street, in Bedford-row, London.
I am. Sir, your humble servant,
" FRANCIS HASLEWOOD, Rector ibidem."
" Bee it remembred, that the three-and -twentieth day of October, in the yeare
of our Lord 1659, came Samuell Haddon, and Mary his wyfe, Edmond Cotster, his
man-servant, and Mathew Walle, his maide-servant, to the parsonage of Chingford,
at the comaund of Thomas Wytham, Master of Artes, and rector of the said
parsonage. The said Samuell Haddon did his homage there, and paid his reliefe
in maner and forme as hereafter followeth, for one tenement at Chingford that is
called Scottes Mayhewes, alias Brendwood, which was lately purchased of Daniell
Thelwel, esq. First the said Samuell did blowe three blastes with a home at the
said parsonage, and afterward received of the said Thomas Wytham, a chicken for
his hawke, a peck of oates for his horse, a loafeof bread for his greyhound, and
afterward received his dinner for himselfe, and also his wyfe, his man, and his
maide. The maner of his cominge to the said parsonage was on horseback, with
his hawke on his fist, and his grejhound in his flippe. And after dinner blew three
blastes with his home at the snid parsonage, and then paid twelve pence of lawful
money of England for his relief, and so departed. All these seremoneys were
donne for the homage and releife of the raid tenement at Chingford Hatch, called
Scottes Mayhews, alias Brendwood, as before hath beene accustomed to be donne
time out of mend.
" Witnesses to the performance of the seremoneyes aforesaid,
" Kalphe Delle,
"Jo Hette,
"John Woodward."
Cinque Ports. 199
Cinque Ports.
[Hazlitt's Blounfi Tenures, p. 76, records another Custom. See, however,
Archaeologia, vol. viii. //. 1-44.]
[1771, PP. 3St,3S2-]
Of the ancient manner of taking refuge for murder on felony in the
Cinque Ports. Extracted from Mr. James Hammond's Collections
of the Antiquities of Dover, folios 14 and 15. From the customall
of the Cinque Ports. Corrected and amended in the reigns of
Henry the VII. and VIII.
And when any shall flee into the church or churchyard for felony,
claiming thereof the privilege for any action of his life, the head
officer of the same liberty, where the said church or churchyard is,
with his fellow jurats, or coroners of the same liberty, shall come to
him, and shall ask him the cause of his being there, and if he will
not confess felony, he shall be had out of the said sanctuary ; and if
he will confess felony immediately, it shall be entered in record, and
his goods and chatties shall be forfeited, and he shall tarry there
forty days — or before, if he will, he shall make his abjuration in form
following, before the head officer, who shall assign to him the port
of his passage, and after his abjuration there shall be delivered unto
him by the head officer, or his assignees, a cross, and proclamation
shall be made, that while he be going by the highway towards the
port to him assigned, he shall go in the King's peace, and that no
man shall grieve him in so doing on pain to forfeit his goods and
chatties ; and the said felon shall lay his right hand on the book
and swear thus : " You hear, Mr. Coroner, that I, A. B., a thief,
have stolen such a thing, or have killed such a woman, or man, or a
child, and am the King's felon ; and for that I have done many
evil deeds and felonies in this same his land, I do abjure and for-
swear the lands of the Kings of England, and that I shall haste
myself to the port of Dover, which you have given or assigned me ;
and that I shall not go out of the highway ; and if I do, I will that
I shall be taken as a thief and the King's felon ; and at the same
place I shall tarry but one ebb and flood if I may have passage ; and
if I cannot have passage in the same place, I shall go every day into
the sea to my knees, and above, crying, ' Passage for the love of God
and King N. his sake ;' and if I may not within forty days together,
I shall get me again into the church as the King's felon. So God
me help, and by this book, according to your judgment."
And if a clerk, flying to the church for felony, affirming himself to
be a clerk, he shall not abjure the realm, but yielding himself to the
laws of the realm, shall enjoy the liberties of the church, and shall
be delivered to the ordinary, to be safe kept in the convict prison,
according to the laudable custom of the realm of England.
2OO Local Customs.
Clerkenwell.
(1784, Part. II., p. 819.]
Mr. Warton has made a blunder in the second volume of his
history, which escaped the penetration of his observer. His words
are these : " To this ecclesiastical origin of the drama we must refer
the plays acted by the parish clerks of London, for eight days suc-
cessively at Clerkenwell, which thence took its name, in the presence
of most of the nobility and gentry of the kingdom, in the years 1390
and 1409. "—See pp. 295, 396. At Skinner's well, beside Smith-
field, and not at Clerkenwell, a play was acted in 1391 by the parish
clerks of London, which continued three several days, the king,
queen, and the court being present. — See Howell's Londonopolis, p.
399. I know of no play acted by them in 1390. In 1409 another
play was acted, which lasted eight days. Howell does not mention
the place where it was performed. Clerkenwell was much frequented
by the youth of the city in the reign of Henry II., and was most
probably at that time in a rural state. — See Pegge's edition of Fitz-
stephens's Description of London.
B. R.
Cotteshulle.
[1773, /• 358-1
Instead of Lothby Manor, as mentioned in our last p. 302,* a
correspondent informs us it was the manor of Cotteshulle, that was
held by service of being marshall of the meretrices when the king came
tliat way.
Blount (Joe. Ten., p. 80) gives the tenure : " Per serjantiam duo-
decim puellarum quoe sequuntur curiam domini regis."
Now, though neither Bishop Gibson nor Mr. Aubrey were aware of
the meaning of these words, it is well known that meretrix, in rare
Latin writers, is equivalent to lavatrix, or lorix, which some diction-
aries give as of classical authority. These twelve women were there-
fore to follow the Court in the capacity of laundresses, to be furnished
by the lord of the manor of Cateshill, or Gateshill, which last name
Salmon derives from its lying on the hill, over which the gate or road
led.
Dunmow.
[Hazlitt's Blount 'j Tenures, pp. 97-99, from other authorities.]
[1751, /. 248.]
I have here sent you a copy of the register of the form and
ceremony observed at Dunmow in Essex, on a claim made fifty years
ago to a flitch of bacon by William Parsley, of Much Easton, and
* [Sec sub voce, "Guildford," p. 213, and " Lotlieby," p. 224.]
Dunmow, 201
Jane his wife, founded upon an antient institution of Lord Fitzwalter,
in the reign of Henry III., who ordered, that whatever married man
did not repent of his marriage, or quarrel with his wife in a year and
a day after it, should go to his Priory and demand the bacon, on his
swearing to the truth, kneeling on two stones in the churchyard.
This custom is still kept up, and by inserting the manner of it in
your magazine you will perhaps excite fresh claimants, as many of
your young married readers, as well as the antient woolcomber of
Weatherfield [see note 66], may be as justly entitled to it.
THE ANTIENT CUSTOM OF DUNMOW.
Dunmow, Nuper Prior ah.
At a court baron of the right worshipful Sir Thomas May, Knt., there holden upon
Friday, the yth day of June, in the 1 3th year of the reign of our sovereign lord
William III., by the grace of God, etc., and in the year of our Lord 1701, before
Thomas Wheeler, gent., steward of the said manor. It is thus enrolled :
r Elizabeth Beaumont, spinster,
Henrietta Beaumont, spinster,
£ -j Annabella Beaumont, spinster,
I Jane Beaumont, spinster,
I Mary Wheeler, spinster,
, ~|
, -J
r >
Be it remember'd, that at this court, in full and open court, it is found, and
presented by the homage aforesaid, that William Parsley of Much Easton in the
county of Essex, butcher, and Jane his wife, have been married for the space of
three years last past, and upward ; and it is likewise found, presented and adjudged
by the homage aforesaid, that the said William Parsley and Jane, his wife, by
means of their quiet, peaceable, tender, and loving cohabitation, for the space of
time aforesaid (as appears by the said homage), are fit and qualify'd persons to be
admitted by the court to receive the antient and accustom'd oath, whereby to
entitle themselves to have the bacon of Dunmow delivered unto them, according to
the custom of the manor.
Whereupon, at this court, in full and open court, came the said William Parsley
and Jane his wife, in their proper persons, and humbly prayed they might be
admitted to take the oath aforesaid. ; whereupon the said steward, with the jury,
suitors, and other officers of the court, proceeded with the usual solemnity, to the
antient and accustom'd place for the administration of the oath, and receiving the
gammon aforesaid (that is to say) the two great stones lying near the church door,
within the said manor, where the said William Parsley and Jane his wife, kneeling
down on the said two stones, and the said steward did administer unto them the
above-mentioned oath in these words, or to this effect following, viz. :
You do swear by custom of confession
That you ne'er made nuptial transgression ;
Nor since you were married man and wife,
By household brawls, or contentious strife,
Or otherwise in bed or at board,
Offended each other in deed or in word ;
Or in twelvemonth's time and a day,
Repented not in thought any way ;
Or since the church clerk said Amen,
Wished yourselves unmarried again,
But continue true and in desire
As when you joyned hands in holy quire.
2O2 Local Customs.
And immediately thereupon, the said William Parsley and Jane his wife claiming
the said gammon of bacon, the court pronounced the sentence for the same, in
these words, or to the effect following :
Since to these conditions, without any fear,
Of your own accord you do freely swear,
A whole gammon of bacon you do receive
And bear it away with love and good leave,
For this is the custom of Dunmow well known ;
Tho' the pleasure be ours, the bacon's your own.
And accordingly a gammon of bacon was deliver'd unto the said William Parsley
and Jane his wife, with the usual solemnity.
Examined per Thomas Wheeler, steward. The same day a gammon was
delivered to Mr. Reynolds, steward to Sir Charles Harrington, of Hatfield
Broad Oak.
[1848, Part I., p. 259.]
The ancient custom of the " Flitch of Bacon " at Dunmow, as you
are aware, has been frequently noticed in various publications. An
account of it is preserved in Brand's Popular Antiquities, in Blount's
Jocular Tenures, and in your own Magazine, vide vol. xxi., p. 248,
where full particulars of the form and ceremony of the claiming of
the flitch in the year 1701 are given. The last ceremonial of this
nature appears to have taken place in 1751, on which occasion a print
was published, now become exceedingly scarce, representing the
procession.
I do not anywhere find, however, the particulars of the proceed-
ings at the court on that occasion, and having in my possession an
exact copy taken from the Manorial Records, I send it you as worthy
of preservation in your pages :
J. N.
Dunmow, late the Priory.— The Court Baron of Mary Hallet, Widow, Lady of
of the said Manor, there holden for the said Manor, on Thursday the twentieth day
of June in the five and twentieth year of the Reign of our sovereign Lord George
the Second, by the Grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland King,
Defender of the Faith, and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred
fifty and one, before John Corcyns, Esquire, Steward of the said Manor.
Homage Wm. Townsend 'j f Daniel Keckford
Mary Cater Catherine Brett
John Strutt J Robt. Mapletoft
f
Martha Wicksted f swon Eliz. Havelfoot
James Raymond Richard Birch
Elizabeth Smith J I Sarah Mapletoft
At this court it was found and presented by the Homage aforesaid that Thomas
Shakeshaft of Weathensfield in the county of Essex, weaver, and Ann his wife, have
been married for the space of seven years last past and upwards ; and that by
reason of their quiet, peaceable, tender, and loving habitation during all the said
time, they are fit and qualified to be admitted by the Court to receive the ancient
and accustomed oath whereby to enable themselves to have the Bacon of Dunmow
delivered unto them according to the custom of the same manor. Whereupon
Dunmow. 203
the said Thomas .Shakeshaft and Ann his wife being present here in Court in their
proper persons, humbly prayed that they might be admitted to take the oath
aforesaid. And thereupon the said steward, with the jury, suitors, and other
officers of the Court, proceeded with the usual solemnity to the ancient and accus-
tomed place for the administration of the oath and delivering the Bacon aforesaid,
(that is to say) to the two great stones lying near the church door within the said
manor ; where the said Thomas Shakeshaft and Ann his wife, kneeling down at
the said stones, the steward did administer unto them the following oath, to wit :
You shall swear by the customs of confession,
That you never made any nuptial transgression
Since you were married man or wife,
By household brawls or contentious strife,
Or otherwise in bed or at board
Offended each other in deed or word ;
Or since the Parish Clerk said Amen,
Wish'd yourself unmarried agen ;
Or in a twelvemonth and a day
Repented not in thought any way ;
But continued true and in desire
As when you joined hands in holy quire.
If to these conditions, without fear,
Of your own accord you will freely swear,
A gammon of bacon you shall receive,
And bear it hence with love and good leave ;
For this is our custom of Dunmow well known :
Tho' the sport be ours, the bacon's your own.
Upon which a gammon of Bacon was delivered to the said Thomas Shakeshaft
and Ann his wife with the usual solemnity.
The name of the claimant is called by error in your Magazine,
vol. xxi., p. 282 [see note 66], Shakeshanks ; and by Ogborne his
.name is represented as Shapeshaft.
Eton.
[1799, Part I I., p. 1026.]
A recent perusal of the account of Eton college, given in the
Supplement to the Encyclopedia Britannica, p. 634, has induced me
to trouble you with an observation on the opinion of the editors con-
cerning the Montem ; which, to my great surprise, they consider " a
laudable festival," and of sufficient importance to occupy a consider-
able portion of letter-press in the description, at the same time that
they acknowledge a deviation from their plan to allow this subject
insertion.
Amongst many well-merited censures upon this ungentlemanly
custom, I have not met with one more pointed than that contained
in a note of the Pursuits of Literature ; the learned author of which
appears to take a truly affectionate interest in the welfare of this noble
seminary; and I heartily wish that this and other public marks of
disapprobation may procure its total abolition.
Concerning the origin of this absurd and singular practice the
204 Local C^lstoms.
Encyclopaedia is totally silent, although this subject in my mind
appears worthy the expense of investigation.
In this enquiry we have hitherto been answered only by vague,
and frequently by romantic, stories in proof of the cause of its first
establishment. We are told by some, that it originated in a religious
procession made by the scholars from Eton to a monastery which
once stood adjacent to the little mount from which Salt-hill is said to
derive its name. Others, with more probability, have dated its rise
from a declamation which was wont to be pronounced in the early
days of this royal foundation, in the presence of the superiors of the
college by the senior scholar, for whose emolument the cap was
handed round in token of approbation, in the manner still continued
at Westminster school.
Through the channel of your valuable Miscellany, the publick and
myself may probably be favoured with a more clear and decisive
opinion upon this question ; which will be most thankfully received
by your most humble servant,
ETONENSIS.
[1814, Part I., pp. 537— S39-]
In the new edition of Brand's " Observations on Popular Antiqui-
ties," under the article of St. Nicholas, " the Patron of School-boys,"*
we are told (vol. i., p. 335),
" The practice of electing a Boy Bishop appears to have subsisted in common
grammar-schools. 'St. Nicholas,' says Mr. Warton, 'was the patron of scholars;
and hence, at Eton College, St. Nicholas has a double feast ; i.e. one on account
of the college, the other of the school.' He adds, 'I take this opportunity of
observing that the anniversary custom at ETON of going AD MONTEM, originated
from the anticnt and popular practice of theatrical processions in collegiate bodies. '
But, with great deference to his opinion, I shall endeavour to shew that it is only
a corruption of the ceremony of the Boy Bishop and his companions, who being,
by Henry the Eighth's edict, prevented from mimicking any longer their religious
superiors, gave a new face to their festivity, and began their present play at soldiers.
The following shews how early our youth began to imitate the martial manners of
their elders in these sports; for it appears Jrom the Close Rolls of Edward I.
menib. 2, that a precept was issued to the Sheriff of Oxford in 1305, from the
King, ' to prohibit tournaments being intermixed with the sports of the scholars on
St. Nicholas's Day."
"In the Statutes of St. Paul's School, A.D. 1518 (see Knight's Life of Colet,
p. 362), the following clause occurs : ' All these children shall every Childermas
Daye come to Paule's Churche, and hear the Childe Bishop sermon : and after be
at the hygh masse, and each of them offer a id. to the Childe Bishop, and with
them the Maisters and Surveyors of the Scole ' " [see ante, pp. 86-90],
In a subsequent article, expressly " On the Montem at Eton" Mr.
Brand thus resumes the subject :
" I have just shewn that the ceremony of the Boy Bishop was called down by a
Proclamation under the reign of Henry the Eighth, and that, with its parent
* See GENT'S MAG. vol. jdvii. 208 ; Ix. 1076.
Eton, 205
Popery, it revived under that of Queen Mary ; as also, that on the accession of
Queen Elizabeth it would most probably be again put down. Indeed, such a
mockery of Episcopal dignity was incompatible with the principles of a Protestant
establishment.
" The loss of a holiday, however, has always been considered, even with ' children
of a larger growth,' as a matter of some serious moment ; much more, with the
Tyros of a school, that of an anniversary that promised to a young mind, in the
cessation from study, and the enjoyment of mirth and pleasure, every negative as
well as every positive good. Invention then would be racked to tind out some
means of retaining, under one shape, the festivities that had been annually for-
bidden under another. By substituting, for a religious, a military appearance, the
Etonians happily hit upon a method of eluding every possibility of giving offence.
"The Liliputian See having been thus dissolved, and the puny Bishop 'un-
frocked,' the crozier was extended into an ensign ; and, under the title of captain,
the chieftain of the same sprightly band conducted his followers to a scene of action
in the open air, where no consecrated walls were in danger of being profaned, and
where the gay stripling1* could at least exhibit their wonted pleasantries with more
propriety of character. The exacting of money from the spectators and passengers,
for the use of the principal, remained exactly the same as in the days of Popery ;
but, it seems, no evidence has been transmitted whether the deacons then, as the
salt-bearers do at present, made an offer of a little salt in return when they de-
manded the annual subsidy. I have been so fortunate, however, as to discover, in
same degree, a similar use of salt, that is, an emblematical one, among the scholars
of a foreign University, at the well-known celebrity of 'Deposition,' in a publica-
tion dated at Strasburgh, so late as A.n. 1666. The consideration of every other
emblem used on the above occasion, and explained in that work, being foreign to
my purpose, I shall confine myself to that of the Salt alone, which one cf the heads
of the College explains thus to the young Academicians :
" ' With regard to the ceremony of Salt,' says he, 'the sentiments and opinions
Ixiih of Divines and Philosophers concur in making Salt the emblem of wisdom or
learning ; and that, not only on account of what it is composed of, but also with
respect to the several uses to which it is applied. As to its component parts, as it
consists of the purest matter, so ought Wisdom to be pure, sound, immaculate,
and incorruptible : and similar to the effects which salt produces upon bodies,
ought to be those of \yisdom and Learning upon the mind.'
" In another part of the oration, he tells them, ' This rile of Salt i$ a pledge or
earnest which you give that you will most strenuously apply yourselves to the study of
good arts, and as earnestly devote yourselves to the several duties of your vocation.'
" How obvious is it then to make the same application of the use of Salt in the
present ceremony at Eton !
"May we not, therefore, without any forced construction, understand the Salt-
bearers ; when, on demanding of the several spectators or passengers their respec-
tive contributions, they laconically cry, 'Salt,' 'Salt,' as addressing them to the
following purport : ' Ladies and Gentlemen, Your subsidy-money for the Captain
of the Eton scholars ! By this Salt, which we give as an earnest, we pledge our-
selves to become proficients in the learning we are sent hither to acquire, the well-
known emblem of which we now present you with in return.' "
" The Montein is said by some to have been an old monkish institution, observed
yearly, for the purpose of raising money by the sale of Salt, absolutions, or any
other articles, to produce a fund that might enable the College to purchase lands :
and the Mount, now called Salt-hill, with other land contiguous, is said to belong
to the college : which idea, upon the authority of the late Provost, Dr. Roberts, I
can assert, has no foundation in truth.*
"The custom of having a procession of the scholars can be clearly proved as far
back as I he reign of Queen Elizabeth, who, when she visited this College, desired
* "The Hill called MUNTEM stands on the waste.— J. B."
206 Local Customs.
to see an account of all the antient ceremonies observed there from its foundation
to that period ; in the number of which it appears that an annual procession of the
scholars was one, and that at such times verses were repeated, and suras of money
were gathered from the public for a dinner, etc., to which fund was added the
small pittances extorted from the boys who were recently admitted, by those of a
longer standing. (Ireland's Tour of the Thames, vol. ii., p. 39.)
" I have heard it asserted, hut find no foundation of the fact, that in the Papal
times there was an exclusive grant to Eton College, from the Pope, to sell conse-
crated salt for making holy water.
" In one of the ' Public Advertisers,' in 1778, is given an account of the Montem,
which was then biennial. This is the oldest printed account of the ceremony I
have been able to find. It is dated Eton, and signed ETONENSIS.
"On Tuesday, being Whit Tuesday, the gentlemen of Eton School went, as
usual, in military procession to Salt-hill. This custom of walking to the Hill
returns every second year, and generally collects together a great deal of company
of all ranks. ' The King and Queen, in their phaeton, met the procession on
Arbor-hill, in Slough-road.' 'When they halted, the flag was flourished by the
ensign. The boys went, according to custom, round the mill, etc. The parson
and clerk were then called, and there these temporary ecclesiasticks went through
the usual Latin service, which was not interrupted, though delayed for some time
by the laughter that was excited by the antiquated appearance of the clerk, who
had dressed himself according to the ton of 1745, and acted his part with as minute
a consistency as he had dressed the character." ' The procession began at half-past
twelve from Eton.'
" 'The collection was an extraordinary good one, as their Majesties gave, each
of them, fifty guineas.'
" 'The principal persons, who were distinguished by their posts above the rest
of the procession, were : — Mr. Hays, the captain ; Mr. Barrow, the parson ; Mr.
Reeves, the clerk ; Mr. Simeon, the marshall ; Mr. Goodall, the ensign ; Mr.
Sumpter, the lieutenant ; and Mr. Brown, the captain of the Oppidants : the two
salt-bearers were Mr. Ascough and Mr. Biggin. By six o'clock the boys had put
off the finery of the day, and appeared at Absence in their common dress.'"
"The sum collected at the AJontrm on Whit-Tuesday, 1790, was full £$oo. This
sum goes to the captain, who is the senior of the Collegers at the time of the
ceremony. The motto for that year was, ' Pro More et Monte." Their Majesties
presented each a purse of fifty guineas. The fancy dresses ol the Salt-bearers and
their deputies, who are called scouts, are usually of different-coloured silks, and
very expensive. Formerly, the dresses used in this procession were obtained from
the Theatres."
"Mr. Cambridge, an old Etonian, informed me, August 9th, 1794, that, in his
time, the Salt-bearers and Scouts carried, each of them, Salt in a handkerchief,
and made every person take a pinch of it out before they gave their contributions.
"The following lines from 'The Favourite, a Simile, in 'The Tunbridge Mis-
cellany, for the year I7l2,i 8vo., p. 29, allude to this practice ;
" ' When boys at Eton, once a year,
In military pomp appear ;
He who just trembled at the rod,
Treads it a Heroe, talks a God,
And in an instant can create
A dozen officers of state.
His little legion all assail,
Arrest without release or bail :
Each passing traveller must halt,
Must pay the tax, and eat the Salt.
You don't love Salt, you say ; and storm —
Look o" these staves, sir — and conform.'
Exeter. 207
" I should conjecture that Salt Hill was the central place where antiently all
the festivities used on this occasion were annually displayed, and here only, it
should seem, the Salt was originally distributed, from which circumstance it has
undoubtedly had its name. From hence, no doubt, the antient Boy Bishop made
some ridiculous oration, similar perhaps to the following, which was the undoubted
exordium to a sermon given in the beginning of the reign of Queen Elizabeth to
the scholars of Oxford in St. Mary's, by Richard Taverner, of Wood Eaton, High
Sheriff for the county of Oxford ; and that too with his gold chain about his neck,
and his sword at his side : ' Arriving at the Mount of St. Maries, in the stony
stage, where I now stand, I have brought you some fine bisketts baked in the oven
of charity, and carefully conserved for the chickens of the Church, the sparrows of
the Spirit, and the sweet swallows of Salvation.' See Sir John Cheke's Preface to
his book called 'The true Subject to the Rebel,' 410., Oxon, 1641."
[See note 67.] Yours, etc., CARADOC.
[«73L A 35I-]
Monday, Aug. 2, was the Election at Eaton College, when the
Scholars, according to Custom, hunted a Ram, by which the Provost
and Fellows hold a Manor.
Exeter.
[1825, Part II., pp. 400-401.]
Much of Common Law is founded on customs. The commend-
able abrogation of laws of evil tendency now frequently effected in
the present age, enlightened by sound principles of political morals,
sufficiently evinces that customs, however sanctioned by antiquity, are
far from being unquestionable. Under such just consideration, the
record of customs in your valuable repository of information leads to
a candid examination of them, and necessarily to their rejection, if
found to militate against the cause of religion and moral order in
society. I shall now state a very old custom, leaving it to your
numerous readers, and more especially to Churchmen, to judge,
whether what no individual of proper feelings would for a moment
imitate, can be any longer tolerated, consistently with the rubrick of
our Church. I must do the Clergy here the justice to say, that they
have in vain attempted to abolish so improper an usage ; while the
corporate body who maintain it, see nothing immoral in its continu-
ance ; and defend it on the abstract principle of the honour it
originally conferred, the memory of which, under an erroneous im-
pression of the intentions of the Royal Donor, they steadfastly
cherish.
This city is celebrated in the page of history for heroic defences
made against rebellious armies and ferocious invaders. The pretender,
PERKIN WARBECK, was gallantly repulsed from its walls raised in the
time of ATHELSTAN. In reward for such loyalty and bravery, the
Seventh Henry granted a charter of immunities ; presented his own
sword to the Mayor, and gave a hat or cap of liberty to be worn on
all public occasions. The Mayor and Corporation enter the Cathedral,
208 Local Customs.
preceded by the Swordbearer, it<earing this hat on his head, within the
Choir, and does not take it off, till he has deposited the sword before
the Mayor, close to the throne of the Bishop. In like manner, he
wears Ms hat in the HOUSE OF GOD, in marching in front of the
procession leaving the Cathedral.* The Church-rubrick permits no
person to wear a hat within the Temple of the Deity ; the infirm only
being allowed to use a description of nightcap. Henry the Seventh
was rather a religious Monarch, who would not sanction an impious
custom : and if we are to suppose that Roman Catholics in those
days, acted thus, surely Protestants are forbid to follow so shocking
an example. Probably some of your Correspondents can inform us,
whether such an extraordinary custom be prevalent in any other
Protestant place of worship ?
JOHN MACDONALD.
Garrat (Wandsworth).
[1781, /. 304.]
The learned antiquary finds a pleasure in tracing the origin of
ancient customs, even when Time has so altered them as totally to
obliterate their use. It may, therefore, not be unpleasing to the
generality of your readers, while it is yet recent in memory, to record
in your magazine the laudable motive that gave rise to the farcical
custom of electing a Mayor of Garrat, which has now become truly
ridiculous.
I have been told that about thirty years ago several persons who
lived near that part of Wandsworth which adjoins to Garrat Lane,
had formed a kind of club, not merely to eat and drink, but to concert
measures for removing the encroachments made on that part of the
common, and to prevent any others being made for the future. As
the members were most of them persons in low circumstances, they
agreed at every meeting to " contribute " some small matter in order
to make up a purse for the defence of their collective rights. When
a sufficient sum of money was subscribed, they applied to a very
worthy attorney in that neighbourhood, who brought an action against
the encroachers in the name of the president (or, as they called him,
the Mayor) of the club. They gained their suit with costs ; the
encroachments were destroyed ; and, ever after, the president, who
lived many years, was called "The Mayor of Garrat"
This event happening at the time of a general election, the cere-
mony upon every new parliament of chusing ont-docr members for the
* It was remarked to George II. that at Court a privileged Nobleman wore his
hat, on which the Monarch neatly observed, that the Peer forgot that Ladies were
present. The Mayor and Corporation may apply this h priori, in an infinitely
higher sense, to a practice that would certainly be belter honoured in the breach than
in the observance.
Garrat. 209
borough of Garrat has been constantly kept up, and is still continued,
to the great emolument of all the publicans at Wandsworth, who
annually subscribe to all incidental expenses attending this mock
election.
M. G.
[1817, Part I., p. III.]
I have no doubt that the picture, by Hogarth, mentioned in your
last vol. p. 421, represents the Mock Election of a Mayor of Garrat,
at Wandsworth in Surrey, on which Mr. Foote founded his Farce of
that name, which so well amused the town.
There are, I believe, three Prints of that ceremony ; I have one of
them, which is intitled, " The Election of the Mayor of Garrat The
first plate, published according to Act of Parliament, April 16, 1782.
James Pollard delin. A. Bannerman sculp."
It represents the procession of Sir John Harper by the Leather-
bottle, a public-house (now remaining), in Garrat-lane, to the place
of election at Garrat-green. It is led by four men on horseback, one
of whom has a feather in his hat, and a bag-wig. They are followed
by two on horseback, one with a broom, the other with a mop, both
erect. Then comes the candidate in an open-chaise, drawn by six
horses, without a hat, his hair dressed, having ruffles, and appearing
to address the spectators. On the side of his carriage is inscribed,
" Sir John Harper. No Wigs." The surrounding mob appear to be
in his favour, as a man who has hoisted a Boot at the end of a pole
has had his hat and wig beat off, and his head broken, and several
are reaching to pull down the Boot. By the opposite side of the
horses which draw Sir John, a coach is placed ; on the box is a man
holding in his arms a figure in a plaid waistcoat, the door marked 45.
This, and the Boot, are sufficient indications to those who remember
the famous story of Wilkes's North Briton, No. 45, and that of Lord
Bute, that these are friends of the Whig candidate, who perhaps is
introduced in one of the other plates. The attending group is in the
Hogarthian style, huzzaing, fighting, a better-dressed man and woman
tumbled down into the dirt, the seizure of a pickpocket, chimney-
sweepers on jack-asses, two boys stealing cakes out of a Jew's basket,
etc.
A. R
Glastonbury.
[I7S3./-454-]
I send you a small branch of the Glastonbury thorn, which blossoms
on Christmas Day ; it was in full blossom on old Michaelmas Day.
This, by many here, is supposed to prove that old Michaelmas ought
still to be observed.
14
2io Local Customs.
[1753. /• 49-]
Above 2,000 people came here this night [Quainton in Bucking-
hamshire, Dec. 24], with lanthorns and candles, to view a black-
thorn which grows in this neighbourhood, and which was remembered
(this year only) to be a slip from the famous Glastonbury thorn ; that
it always budded on the 24th, was full-blown the next day, and went
all off at night ; but the people finding no appearance of a bud, 'twas
agreed by all, that December 25, N. S., could not be the right Christ-
mas Day, and accordingly refused going to church, and treating their
friends on that day as usual : at length the affair became so serious,
that the ministers of the neighbouring villages, in order to appease
the people, thought it prudent to give notice, that the old Christmas
Day should be kept holy as before
Glastonbury. — A vast concourse of people attended the noted thorns
on Christmas Eve, New Stile ; but to their great disappointment,
there was no appearance of its blowing, which made them watch it
narrowly the 5th of Jan., the Christmas Day, Old Stile, when it
blow'd as usual. Lond. Even.
The Glastonbury Thorn (says Mr. Millar in his dictionary) is pre-
served in many gardens as a curiosity; this often produces some
bunches of (lowers in winter, and afterwards flowers again at the
season with the common sort, but doth in no other respect differ
from the common hawthorn : the fabulous story of its budding on
Christmas Day in the morning, flowering at noon, and decaying at
night, is now with good reason disbelieved ; for although it may
sometimes happen that there may be some bunches of flowers open
on the day, yet for the most part it is later in the year before they
appear ; but this in a great measure depends on the mildness of the
season.
['753, //• 578, S79-]
A paper having been printed at Hull, and sold up and down
Yorkshire, wherein it is asserted that the Holy Thorn at Glastonbury
was in full blossom on old Christmas Day, 1752 : that it buds in the
morning, blossoms at noon, and fades at night, and that it was
originally the staff of Joseph of Arimathea, one Mr. Sherwood of
Warter thought proper to inquire into the truth of these particulars
of the vicar of Glastonbury, who inform'd him that the thorn blossom'd
the fullest and finest about Christmas Day new style or rather sooner,
that the old thorn has been decay'd and gone time immemorial, and
that Bishop Stillingfleet has fully proved that Joseph of Arimathea
never was at Glastonbury. The stories of this thorn are so absurd as
scarce to need confutation, but as it has been adduced as a super-
natural evidence for the old stile, and several ridiculous falsities grafted
Great Grimsby. 2 1 1
on it, this authentic account of the matter may be necessary to un-
deceive the weak and superstitious, and therefore we hope our readers
will excuse our mentioning it. The paper and letters are answered
at length in the York Courant of the i8th instant
Great Grimsby.
[1830, Part II., pp. 485, 486.]
Your repository of fugitive literature is peculiarly valuable in that
department which is devoted to the preservation of ancient local
customs and statistical facts, which might otherwise be lost to posterity,
or so distorted by tradition as to degenerate into error. In the course
of a long residence at Grimsby, I have not been inattentive to the
manners, customs, and propensities of the inhabitants ; and, being of
a sedentary turn, 1 have often amused my leisure hours by instituting
a comparison between present observances and the peculiarities which
distinguished their forefathers of remote generations. As the investi-
gation proceeded, and the rites and usages of antiquity became
gradually unfolded to my view, it branched off into such a variety of
ramifications, as ultimately swelled out my Common-Place Book with
endless notices respecting the history and topography, as well as the
general statistics of this ancient borough, at every period of its fluctu-
ating fortunes. Some of the'results of this enquiry are already before
your readers ; and I purpose occasionally to furnish you with such
additional notices as may possess the twofold quality of affording
present information and amusement, and preserving materials which
promise to be useful to any future topographer who may be encouraged
to write a connected history of the place.
The amusement of bull-baiting is of such high antiquity in this
country, that Fitz-Stephen, who lived in the reign of Hen. II., tells
us it was, at that early period, the common entertainment of the young
Londoners during the winter season; and Claudian says of the English
mastiffs :
" Mngnaque taurorum fracturi colla Britanni."
The county of Lincoln is eulogized by Fuller as producing superior
dogs for the sport ; and in Grimsby bull-baiting was pursued with such
avidity, that, to increase its importance, and prevent the possibility of
its falling into disuse, it was made the subject of an official regulation
of the Magistracy. It had been practised within the borough from
time immemorial, but about the beginning of the reign of Hen. VII.
the butchers finding it both troublesome and inconvenient to provide
animals for the public amusement, endeavoured to evade the requisi-
tion ; but it was made imperative upon them by the following edict
of the Mayor and Burgesses, which was incorporated into a code of
14—2
I
212 Local Customs.
ordinances that were made and agreed to on the 23d of October, 1499,
for the better government of the borough :
"Also, that no Bocher flee or kill no Bull flesche wtin this Burgh, nor that
none be brought to sell bot if the Bull be bayted openlye before the Mair and his
burgesses, peon of forfeif. of ev'y default vjs. viij;/. Also that the Bochers of
this Francheis, and al others that kepe slaughter shopes and kill flesche in this
Francheis, to sell, mak onys yerly befor the Mair and his burgesses one Bull-
bayting, at convenient Tyme of ihe yere, according to the custom of this Fran-
cheis befor usyd, upon peyn of forfeitur of vj*. viiji/."
In the reign of Charles I. an instance occurs of the violation of
this ordinance ; and it is formally recorded in the Mayor's Court
Book, that a fine was imposed by the Chamberlains on Robert Camm
for " killing a bull, and not first baiting him, according to the custom
of the Corporation."
These sports were conducted with great cruelty. To make the
animal furious, gunpowder was frequently flashed up his nose, and
pepper blown into his nostrils ; and if this failed to make him shew
game, his flesh was lacerated, and aquafortis poured into the wound.
About sixty years ago, a bull was put to the stake at Grimsby ; but
the animal proving too tame, one William Hall put a spike or brad
into his stick, and goaded the poor creature until the blood flowed
copiously from several parts of his body; and at length, by continually
irritating the lacerate d parts, the bull became enraged, ai,d roaring in
the extremity of his torture, succeeded in tossing his assailant, to the
infinite gratification of his cruel persecutors. It is recorded, to the
credit of Mr. Alderman Hesleden, that during his Mayoralty in 1779,
the annual exhibition was disallowed ; from which time the custom
declined, although some instances of this inhuman pastime have
subsequently occurred.
Strutt says, that in some of the market towns of England, the Bull-
riugs, to which the unfortunate animals were fastened, are remaining
to the present time. At Grimsby, the arena where this brutal cere-
mony was performed, is still distinguished by the name of the " Bull
Ring." The ancient stone* and ring were removed about thirty years
since, but the chain is still in possession of the Chamberlains, who
pass it annually to their successors; and it is sometimes applied to
the purpose of fastening up a gate, when a distress is made on a field
belonging to the Corporation for rent ; but its primitive use is wholly
superseded by the abolition of the amusement.
GEO. OLIVER.
Gretna Green.
[1797, I'art II., f- 932-]
The Church of Scotland allows not, recognizes not, knows nothing
of, the " marriages at Gretna-green ;" they are performed, I appre-
hend, according to the usage of the Church of England, and by a
Guildford. 213
black smith in a black coat. I think I have seen some account of
the ceremony, and of the operator, in Mr. Pennant's, or Capt. Newte's,
or some other modern, Tour in Scotland ; but I cannot now recol-
lect where. [See Pennant's Tour in Scotland^ 1774, p. 83.]
Guildford.
[1789, Part /., //. 320-322.]
In the Gent. Mag. for 1773, p. 302, it is said that, "among other
strange customs in England, there is one, that, whenever the King
comes to Lothesley manor, near Guildford, the Lord is to present his
Majesty with three whores." [See sub voce " Cotteshulle," p. 200,
and " Lotheby," p. 224.]
At p. 358, a correspondent in some measure rectifies the mistake,
by informing us that, " instead of Lothesley, it was the manor of
Catteshill that was meant ;" and that this manor " was holden by
the service of being marshal of the meretrices when the King came
that way; — that it is well known that meretrix, in later Latin writers,
is equivalent to lavatrix or lotrix ; — and, therefore, that these twelve
young women (for such, as he observes, are they called, and such is
their number said to have been by Blount, in his account of Antient
Tenures, p. 80), were to follow the court in the capacity of laundresses,
to be furnished by the Lord of the manor of Catteshill."
Another correspondent, in vol. xlix. p. 341, carries the custom
back again to Lothesley, which, he tells us, •' was holden in grand
serjeanty by the master of the King's meretrices, i.e. (says he), laun-
dresses."— Perhaps a more full and accurate account of this matter
may not be unacceptable.
You are to understand then, Mr. Urban, that, from the accession
of King Henry II. our kings had a mansion house and park at
Guildford, where they occasionally resided and kept their court ;
during which time, certain of the inferior offices of the household
were supplied by the tenants of two different estates holden of the
Crown in this neighbourhood.
i. One of these was what is now called the manor of Poyle in
Guildford ; which had been given, in earlier times, to the family of
Testard. During the minority of William, an heir of this family, in
the time of Henry II., the wardship of him and his estate was given
to one Ranulph de Broc, from whom it descended to Edeline his
daughter, who held it " per serjantiam mareschalli in curia domini
regis."* Stephen de Turnham, who married her, succeeded to the
trust, and held it by the same service. t To this William, who died
in 14 Henry III, anno 1230, succeeded Robert his son, who is de-
scribed as holding it, in 19 Hen. III. 1235, "per serjantiam custodi-
* Test, cle Nev. in Esch. f Test cle Nev.
214 Local Customs.
endi meretrices in curia domini regis.* Thomas succeeded to the
inheritance; and, after him, Richard, his brother; in the account
of whose serjeanty it is set forth, as a part of his office of mareschal,
that he was "servare lotrices curiae domini regis. "t About this time
Richard sold this estate to Thomas de la Puille, or Poyle (from whom
it took its present name, and) who held it by the same service :{
and in his family it continued till 9 Hen. V. But this whimsical
tenure having, before this, been converted into knight's service, we
hear no more of it after the nth Edw. II. or thereabouts.
2. The other estate, holden by this tenure, was the manor of
Catteshill in Godelming, distant about four miles from the court at
Guildford. Ranulph de Broc, already spoken of as the guardian of
the heir of Testard, had a grant of this manor from K. Henry II. to
hold by the service of "ostiarius in camera domini regis. "§ Kdeline
his daughter, and Stephen de Turnham, her husband, held it by the
same service. || Robert de Gatton, who married a grand-daughter
and co-heir of Stephen, is called ".mareschallus custodiendo meie-
trices de curia domini regis ;"U and "mareschallus duodecim puel-
larum quae sequuntur curiam domini regis."** Hamo de Gatton, his
son and heir, " mareschallus meretricum cum dominus rex venerit
in illis partibus ;"tt and "ostiarius camene regis. "\\ Hamo, the
younger, " mareschallus de fo»i»i/t>n'&/tsfa'»!ifiissequeniibus hospitium
domini regis. "S§ Robert de North wode, who married Elizabeth,
daughter and heir of the last Hamo, and died seised of this manor
in 34 Kdw. III. anno 1360, is stiled "ostiarius in camera regis."||||
Joan and Agnes, daughters, and, at length, heirs of Robert, on a
partition made between them in 37 Edw. III., are said to have holden
by the service of " mareschallus in hospitio regis. "fit After which
we hear no more of it, except that Nicholas Hering, who married
Agnes, claimed, in her right, the office of usher (ostiarius) of the
King's chamber at the coronation of Richard II., but the considera-
tion thereof was postponed.
What we collect from all this is, that the office of marshal of the
King's household, as often as the Court resides at Guildford, was
executed by the I^rds of the manors of Poyle and Catteshill, who
held their lands by this tenure ; and that, though they are respectively
styled, in different records, marshal of the King's court, marshal of
the King's household, and ostiarius, or usher of the King's chamber,
their office was one and the same ; it being part of the office of
marshal, by himself or deputy, to keep the door of the King's
* Blount, p. 8, Plac. Cor. Surr. 19 H. III.
\ Blount, p. 79. Plac. Cor. 39 H. III. + //>/,/.
§ Test, de Nevil. || Ibid. IT Plac. Cor. 25 H. III.
* Blount, p. 80. ft Blount, p. 82. Plac. Cor. 7 E. I.
Jt E-ch. 20 E. I. n. 25. §§ Kscli. 29 E. I. n. 58.
III! Esch. 34 E. III. n. 72. •?![ Rot. Cummun.
Haloughton. 215
chamber.* We learn, moreover, that it was part of their duty (as
often as the King came into these parts, not otherwise therefore) to
provide rcww/z-servants for the meaner offices of the household ;
and that these «w«<7/-servants were, on different occasions, called by
different names, and, amongst the rest, by that of mereirices ; which
last hath given occasion, it seems, to ludicrous reflections on the
Court of that time, as if the grants of the Prince had been made sub-
servient to his pleasures. Whereas, in truth, the word meretrices was
here used in an indifferent sense; and, agreeably to the known
import of the word mereo or mereor, from which it is derived, as a
general description of such women as served for hire, and who, in
the present instance, are accordingly called, in the different records,
puellce, communes /(gmina, and lotrices : the service here spoken
of being, after all, no other than this, viz., that, whereas the Court, in
those days, was subsequently removed to Guildford, certain persons,
whs held immediately of the King in that neighbourhood, were
obliged, by the terms of their respective grants, to provide, as often
as this should happen, a certain number of female servants for the
laundry, and other inferior offices of the household.
The manor of Shirefield in Hampshire was holden, temp. Ed. II.
and III., by John de Warbleton, by the same serjeanty ; and pro-
bably with a view to the occasional residence of the Court at Odih.im,
in its neighbourhood.
Yours, etc., PAL. SURR.
Haloughton.
[1822, //. 628, 629.]
The town of Haloughton, Leicestershire, is distinguished by a
singular and ludicrous ancient custom. A piece of land was be-
queathed to the use and advantage of the Rector, for providing " two
hare-pies, a quantity of ale, and two dozen penny loaves, to be
scrambled for on Easter Monday, annually." The land, before the
enclosure took place, was called " Hare-crop Leys ;" and at the time
of dividing the fields, in 1770, a piece was allotted to the Rector in
lieu of the said Leys. The custom is still continued ; but instead of
hare, the Rector provides two large raised pies made of veal and
bacon ; these are divided into parts and put into a sack, and about
two gallons of ale, in two wooden bottles, without handles or strings,
are also put into a sack ; the penny loaves are cut into quarters and
put in a basket. Thus prepared, the men leave the Rectory, and are
soon joined by the women and children, who march to a place called
" Hare-pie-bank," about a quarter of a mile South of the town. In
the course of this journey, the pieces of bread are occasionally thrown
for scrambling ; but the pies and ale are carried to the grand rustic
* Spclm. Gloss. Madox, Exchcq. c. 2, § 5'
216 Local Customs.
theatre of confusion. This in olden time (though not upon so great
a scale, or destined for such bloody feasts, as the Roman amphi-
theatres) consisted of a bank, with a small trench round it, and a
circular hole in the centre. Into this the pies are promiscuously
thrown, and every frolicsome athletic youth, who is fond of the sport,
rushes forward to seize a bit, or bear away a bottle. Confusion
ensues, and what began in puerile sport has occasionally terminated
in a boxing-match. To the credit of the town, it has ended, for a
number of years, in peace; and the day has been spent in the
greatest hilarity. See Nichols's " Leicestershire," n. 630.
Harrow-on-the-Hill.
[I73L/. 35«.]
Thursday, Aug. 5, 1731.— According to an ancient Custom, a Silver
Arrow, Valuers, was shot for at the Butts on Harrow on the Hill,
by six Youths of that Free School, in Archery Habits, and won
by a Son of Captain Brown, Commander of an East India Man.
This Diversion was the Gift of John Lyon, Esq., Founder of the
said School.
[1816, Part IT., p. 175.]
Thursday, Aug. i, 1816. — According to annual custom, the silver
arrow was shot for at the Butts at Harrow-on-the-Hill, by twelve of
the young gentlemen educated at that school, which was won with
difficulty by Master Jenkins.
Hatherleigh.
[1816, Part ir.,p. 270.]
At Hatherleigh, a small town in the county of Devon, exist two
remarkable customs : — one, that every morning and evening, soon
after the church-clock has struck five and nine, a bell from the same
steeple announces, by distinct strokes, the number of the day of the
month, originally intended, perhaps, for the information of the un-
learned villagers. The same custom exists at Pembroke in South
Wales, at five in the morning, and eight in the evening. — The other
is, that after a funeral, the church bells ring a lively peal, as in other
places after a wedding ; and to this custom the parishioners are per-
fectly reconciled, by the consideration that the deceased is removed
from a scene of trouble to a state of peace.
Helstone.
t'79o, p. 520.]
At Helstone, a genteel and populous borough-town in Cornwall, it
is customary to dedicate the 8th of May to revelry (festive mirth, not
loose jollity). It is called the Furry-day, supposed Flora's day ; not,
I imagine, as many have thought, in remembrance of some festival
Helstonc. 2 1 7
instituted in honour of that goddess, but rather from the garlands
commonly worn on that day. In the morning, very early, some
troublesome rogues go round the streets with drums, or other noisy
instruments, disturbing their sober neighbours, and singing parts of a
song, the whole of which nobody now recollects, and of which I know
no more than that there is a mention in it of the " grey goose quill,"
and of going to the "green wood to bring home the summer and the
May-o ;" and, accordingly, hawthorn flowering branches are worn in
hats. The commonalty make it a general holiday ; and, if they find
any person at work, make him ride on a pole, carried on men's
shoulders, to the river, over which he is to leap in a wide place, if he
can ; if he cannot, he must leap in, for leap he must, or pay money.
About nine o'clock they appear before the school, and demand holiday
for the Latin boys, which is invariably granted; after which they
collect money from house to house. About the middle of the day .
they collect together to dance hand-in-hand round the streets, to the
sound of the fiddle playing a particular tune, which they continue to
do till it is dark. This is called a "Faddy." In the afternoon, the
gentility go to some farm-house in the neighbourhood to drink tea,
syllabub, etc., and return in a morrice-dance to the town, where they
form a Faddy, and dance through the streets till it is dark, claiming
a right of going through any person's house, in at one door, and out
at the other. And here it formerly used to end, and the company of
all kinds to disperse quietly to their several habitations ; but latterly
corruptions have in this, as in other matters, crept in by degrees.
The ladies of this town have long been celebrated for their charms :
and the beaux, being unwilling to lose the pleasure of contemplating
such an assemblage of them so early, now conduct their partners (who
are all elegantly dressed in white muslins) to the ball-room, where they
continue their dance till supper-time, after which they all Faddy it
out of the house, breaking off by degrees to their respective houses.
The mobility imitate their superiors, and also adjourn to the several
public-houses, where they continue their dance till midnight It is,
upon the whole, a very festive, jovial, and withal so sober, and, I
believe, singular custom : and any attempt to search out the original
of it, inserted in one of your future Magazines, will very much please
and gratify,
Yours, etc., 'DuRGAN.
[1790, Part IT., p. 875.]
Your correspondent Durgan (p. 520) wishes for an explanation of
the term Furray-day. He says the 8th of May is, at Helstone, in the
county of Cornwall, dedicated to festive mirth, and instances some
ceremonies used on the occasion. Furry day, he says, is supposed to
be a corruption of Flora's day ; but he will not allow it to bear any
2i8 Local Customs.
allusion to the festival instituted in honour of that goddess, but
supposes it to refer only to the garlands made use of on that day.
Now, as the Floralia, or games in honour of Flora, began in the
Roman Calendar on the 28th of April, and ended on the 3d of May,
I should rather suppose that the term Furry-day was a corruption,
not of Flora's day, but of Ferire, and that it did bear an allusion to
the ceremonies used on that occasion. Or it may bear a reference
to the beginning of summer, which was supposed by the Romans to
commence on the i3th of May.
"Turn mihi non dubiis auctoribus incipit rcslas,
Et tepidi finem tempera veris habent."
OVID : Fast [lib. v. 601, 602].
Or, after all, may it not be the day of the Feriae, or festival of the
patron Saint ? which is still observed with much exactness in many
.parishes in England, under the denomination of parish-feasts.
[1790, Part I '/., p. i too.]
In the number for October I find your correspondent Syne has
endeavoured to explain the Floralia of Helstone ; but the dates do
not agree, and he must remark this amusement continues only one
day, and that day the 8th of May (except it falls on a Sunday, when
it is kept on the 9th). I am not satisfied with his explanation, and
beg some other from your correspondents. Since I wrote last, I have
recollected the first verse of the song used on that day, and perhaps
hereafter may be able to send all that is known of it, for it formerly
was very long, but is now very much forgotten :
" Robin Hoo'l and Little John
They are both gone to fair O !
And we will go to the merry green wood,
To see what they do there O !
With Hel-an-tow,
And Rum-be-low,
And chearily we'll get up
As soon as any day O !
All for to bring ihe Summer home,
The Summer and the May O 1"
After which there is something about the grey goose wing ; from all
which I conclude the Goddess Flora has nothing to say to it.
DURGAN.
Hinckley.
[1787, Part /., //. 462, 463.]
"Semel in anno ridet Apollo."
If you think the following account of a late rural diversion not
beneath the dignity of your respectable miscellany, I shall make no
more apology for adding a small leaf to your monthly bouquet. An
Hinckley. 2 1 g
ancient custom was revived last year in the town of Hinckley, in
Leicestershire, where formerly at Whit Monday fair a large company
of millers assembled from the adjacent villages, and formed, under
proper decorations, a shew in cavalcade, in order to amuse their
country neighbours. This, by repetition, without any additional
grace of novelty, was no longer admired ; and consequently, we may
suppose, declined, and fell into contempt. I happened to be a
spectator at the renovdance last year ; when to the old ceremony of
riding millers, many considerable improvements were made upon a
more extensive and significant plan : several personages introduced
that bore allusion to the manufacture, and were connected with the
place. 1 was there again on Whit Monday, and observed that old
Hugo Baron de Grentemaisnell, who made his first appearance last
year in light and easy paste-board armour, was this second time (in
compliment to the stocking-frame) armed cap-a-pie in heavy sinker
plate* with pike and shield : on the latter, the arms of the town.-)-
The representative Baron of Hinckley had the satisfaction of being
accompanied by his lady, the Baroness Adeliza, habited in the true
antique style, with steeple hat, ruff, points, mantle, etc., all in suitable
colours ; each riding on milk-white steeds properly caparisoned.
They were preceded by the town banner and two red streamers
embroidered with their respective names. Several bands of music
gave cheerful spirit to the pageant, but more particularly the militia
band from Leicester. The body corporate, alias the officers of the
town, are not numerous, but no less decent and becoming ; and, to
their credit be it spoken, good order and regularity were maintained
throughout the day. The frame-work knitters, wool-combers, butchers,
carpenters, etc., had each their flags, and rode in companies, bearing
devices or allusions to their different trades. Two characters, well
supported, were Bishop Blaise and his chaplain, who figured at the
head of the wool-combers ; in their train appeared a pretty innocent
young pair, a gentle shepherd and shepherdess, the latter carrying a
lamb, emblem of her little self more than of the trade. Some other
little folks, well dressed, were mounted on ponies, holding instru-
ments, the marks of their fathers' business, and ornamented with
ribbons of all colours waving in the air. I shall take but little notice
of the female personage in this masquerade ; it is founded on a
fabulous story, and in no shape whatever relative to this town.
Suppose Leofrick, in a vein of humour, or to get rid of his wife's
importunities, put so strange a condition to Godiva ; she being a
friend to the city, and desirous to free it from oppressive tolls, might
also, in the same strain, comply. But no husband, either ancient or
modern, could be so far lost to his own shame as to suffer such an
* A particular kind of plate iron used in the stocking frame,
t Party per pale indented. Arg. and az.
22O Local Customs.
injunction to take place. And the consequential tale of " Peeping
Tom," tacked to the end of that secret history, is a sufficient warrant
to pronounce it a mere fiction ; at least so far as relates to the par-
ticular circumstance of Lady Godiva's riding en naturelle. Grave
historians are silent upon this matter ; and whether believing or
doubting, they have thought proper to throw the veil over this good
lady's nakedness. If anything, therefore, could give rise to this old
anecdote, we must pass it as a jeu d' esprit between the Mercian Earl »
and his Countess. The city has gained by it, as tradition reports ;
and in that case ex concordia res parvce crescunt. There was a good
pretence for commemorating now and then, in outward show ard
pageantry, what had been expressed in words only, and in the jocular
hour of ancient domestic mirth.
But, to return to Hinckley shew-fair, the concourse of people from
all parts this year was great beyond expectation ; and had the day
been perfectly serene, the number would have much increased.
Plenty of good provisions were not wanting ; and Hospitality joined
hands with Friendship and Jollity.
Yours, etc. Roc. CURTHOSE.
Hornchurch.
[1828, Part /., /. 305.]
Hornchurch is in the liberty of Havering-atre-Bower, in the county
of Essex, and the Church is about fourteen miles from London. The
tithes belong to New College, Oxford ; the warden and fellows of
which society are ordinaries of the place, and appoint a commissary,
who holds an annual visitation. The Vicar holds the church of them
by lease for life, without any institution, induction, or reading in, is
exempt from episcopal jurisdiction, and has a stipend in lieu of the
small tithes.
" Hornchurch, q. d. the horned monastery," says Camden in his
Britannia, " from leaden horns fastened over the east part of the
church." This is his only observation on this place ; and Gough, in
his "Additions," does not endeavour to explain its name.
Newcourt, in his " Repertorium," says :
" The parish is very large, and has in it seyen wards ; viz., the wards of Collier
Row, Harolds, Havering, Nokehill, Northern!, Romford town, and Southend ; ill
two of which, viz.. Havering and Romford, there are chapels.
" As to the parish church, Hornchurch, called formerly Horn Monastery, a pair
of huge horns are fastened to the east side of it ; it is called in Latin Cornutiiin
Afonasteritim, and Ecclcsia, Cornuta.
" The inhabitants here say, by tradition, that the Church dedicated to St.
Andrew, was built by a female convert, to expiate her former sins, and that it
was called Hore Church at first, till by a certain King, but by whom they are un-
certain, who rode that way, it was called Honied Church, who caused these hums
to be put out at the east end of it."
Hornchurch. 221
He, adds, that the manor of Hornchurch Hall and Suttons, which,
together with the living, now belong to New College, Oxford, formerly
belonged to the abbess and convent of the Holy Trinity at Caen in
Normandy, and that they were obtained by William of Wykeham, and
settled by him on his new foundation at Oxford, and that there was
likewise in the parish a house or hospital, which was a cell of the
hospital of St. Bernard de Monte in Savoy, to which the Church at
this place was given by a charter of Henry II.
Morant, in his History of Essex, very properly pronounced the
above tradition relative to the name of the place to be groundless,
but suggests, with much probability, that the bull's head affixed to the
end of the chancel was the coat or crest belonging to the Hospital
in Savoy. The manors of Hornchurch Hall and Suttons he supposes
to have belonged to the hospital here, which was a cell to that on
Mount St Bernard in Savoy ; he says nothing about the convent at
Caen in Normandy ; and as it does not appear to be mentioned by
any other writer, there is most likely some mistake in Newcourt's
statement
The bull's or ox's head and horns had a few years ago been
suffered to fall into decay, but in the year 1824 they were restored
by the present Vicar. With respect to their being the arms or crest
of the hospital of Savoy, perhaps some information may be obtained,
through the medium of your Magazine, from your Antiquarian
readers.
A few years ago leaden figures of the head and horns were affixed
as a vane at the top of the spire ; but on being thought too heavy,
this vane was removed when the spire was repaired in 1822, and a
common one was substituted in its place.
The following custom, which is still continued, was lately noticed
in a modern periodical publication :
" On Christmas Day, the following custom has been observed at Hornchurch
in Essex, from time immemorial. The lessee of the tithes, which belong to New
College, Oxford, supplies a boar's head dressed and garnished with bay-leaves, etc.
In the afternoon it is carried in procession into the mill field adjoining the church-
yard, where it is wrestled for ; and it is afterwards feasted upon at one of the
public-houses by the rustic conqueror and his friends, with all the merriment
peculiar to the season."*
Kidderminster.
[1790, Part II., f. 1191.]
At Kidderminster is a singular custom. On the election of a
bailiff, the inhabitants assemble in the principal streets to throw
cabbage-stalks at each other. The town-house bell gives signal for
the affray. This is called " lawless hour." This done (for it lasts
an hour), the bailiff elect and corporation, in their robes, preceded
* Hone's Every-Dny liook.
222 Local Customs.
by drums and fifes (for they have no waits), visit the old and new
bailiff, constables, etc., attended by the mob. In the mean time, the
most respectable families in the neighbourhood are invited to meet
and fling apples .at them on their entrance. I have known forty
pots of apples expended at one house.
INSPECTOR RUSTICUS.
Lambeth.
[1800, Part II., p. 1131.]
Amidst severer studies, I observe with pleasure that you sometimes
condescend to investigate the origin of singular customs ; and perhaps
the following may be new to many of your readers. On the annual
aquatic procession of the lord-mayor of London to Westminster, the
barge of the Company of Stationers, which is usually the first in the
show, proceeds to Lambeth Palace ; where for time immemorial they
have received a present of 16 bottles of the Archbishop's prime wine.
This custom, I am informed, originated at the beginning of the present
century. When Abp. Tenison enjoyed the see, a very near relation
of his, who happened to be master of the Stationer's Company, thought
it a compliment to call there in full state, and in his barge ; when the
Archbishop being informed that the number of the company within
the barge was 32, he thought that a pint of wine for each would not
be disagreeable ; and ordered at the same time that a sufficient
quantity of new bread and old cheese, with plenty of strong ale,
should be given to the watermen and attendants ; and from that
accidental circumstance it has grown into a settled custom. The
Company, in return, present to the Archbishop a copy of the several
almanacks which they have the peculiar privilege of publishing.
Yours, etc., M. GREEN.
London.
[1841, Part 7/., /. 452.]
PAUL'S STUMP.
We were doubtful whether any topographical or antiquarian writer
had mentioned Paul's Stump, an inquiry respecting which has been
recently prosecuted by some of our correspondents (pp. 114, 226);
but a friend has referred us to a passing mention of it in Bagford's
Letter to Hearne relating to the antiquities of London, from which it
appears to have been a post resembling the pedestal of a statue. We
still think it may have been the remains of an ancient cross. The
passage is as follows: "This brings to my mind another ancient
custom, that hath been omitted of late years. It seetns that in former
times the porters that ply'd at Billinsgate used civilly to intreat and
desire every man that passed that way to salute a post that stood
London. 225
there in* a vacant place. If he refused to do this, they forthwith lay'd
hold of him, and by main force bouped his against the post ;
but if he quietly submitted to kiss the same, and paid down 6d., then
they gave him a name, and chose some one of the gang for his god-
father. I believe this was done in memory of some old image that
formerly stood there, perhaps of Belus or Bel in. Somewhat of the
like post, or rather stump, was near St Paul's, and is at this day
[Feb. i, 1714-15] call'd St. Paul's Stump." (Leland, Collectanea,
1774, vol. i. p. Ixxvi.) — As for Bagford's story of the Billingsgate
porters, there are parts of it evidently exaggerated, such as their pre-
suming to seize on " every man that passed," and exacting so large a
sum as sixpence even from those who were compliant to their arbitrary
behests.
[1821, Part II., pp. 369, 370.]
ORIGIN OF THE CUSTOM OF CUTTING STICKS IN THE EXCHEQUER.
The proclamation made by the officer of the Court when the new
Sheriffs are presented to the Barons has never been given with perfect
correctness. The following is copied from the book kept in the office
of the Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer. " O yes, O yes, O yes !
Tenants of a piece of waste ground called the Moors, in the county
of Salop, come forth and do your service." Hereupon the Senior
Alderman present steps forward, and cuts a wand with a bill-hook.
It is not known in what manner this service by petty serjeanty, as
it was called, has devolved upon the city of London : but it is believed
to have done so at least as early as 38 Henry VIII., when "John
Gostwick, Richard G res/tarn, and other the King's tenants of lands in
the More, in the county of Salop, are called upon in Michaelmas Term
to answer for two knives and an hazel rod of rent :" for these persons
are known to have been Aldermen of London. That Corporation has
no property in Shropshire at the present time ; nor can the Town
Clerk find that it ever had. Land at More, in this county, was,
however, holden, though not by the city of London, upon a tenure
very similar to that which has been just described, from a very early
period. In the 29th Henry III., Nicholas de Mora paid at the
Exchequer two knives, one good, and the other very bad (pessimum),
for certain land in Mora, which he held of the King in capite : in the
3d Richard II., the land had come into the possession of V/alter de
Aldeham ; and in a record, of an uncertain date, by which time it
was the property of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, the manner
of performing this service is specified: "a certain Knight [probably
the senior], or, in his absence, another for him, is to hold in his hand
an hazel rod of one year's growth, and of the length of a cubit ; and
one of the Knives shall be so weak as to be unable to cut it; and
the ether so good, as that, at the first stroke, it shall cut it -through
224 Local Customs.
the middle. Which service ought to be performed every year in the
middle of the Exchequer, in presence of the Treasurer and Barons, on
the Morrow of St. Michael."
There cannot be a doubt that this is the service which is now
performed. The county, the name of the land, the thing to be done,
the day when it is done (which is that on which the late Sheriffs give
in their account, and are supposed to pay this their rent), all unite to
prove it The difficulty is to connect it with the City of London.
That Corporation must once have held the land, or they would not
now render the service ; and the only conjecture that occurs on the
subject is, that this waste land may have devolved upon them with
other property of the Knights of Jerusalem, which they are known to
have possessed : that the senior Alderman may represent the senior
.Knight; and that the situation of the land may have been subse-
quently lost by neglect, and the distance of Shropshire from the
capital.
This odd service was contrived, not without ingenuity, to secure
the goodness of one of the knives, and the strength of the tenant.
The rod was to be of a fixed growth and of a determined length ; it
would, therefore, always be very nearly of the same thickness : further,
it could not be rotten or decayed ; for it was to resist a weak knife.
The rod also was to be cut, not at the extremity, but through the
middle ; and consequently none but a good knife, and in a strong
hand too, could perform such a feat at one stroke. A bill-hook has
been substituted for the thu'ittle (the old name for the knife), probably
because, with the wrist of an elderly citizen, the latter might not be
equal to the severing such a rod as has been described, in the manner
required by the law.
The More, in respect of which this serjeanty is performed, lay near
Bridgnorth : for it is so described in a record of 23 Edward III., and
still more specifically in one of the i6th of that King, as near Old-
bury. No such place is now known ; but the name is preserved in
the Mor Brook, which, rising at Callaughton, and flowing by Mor\i\\
and Aldenham, passes through Oldbury, and falls into the Severn
opposite Uudmaston.
Lotheby.
[» 773, P- 3°2-
Among other strange customs of Manors in England, it is said
there is one, that whenever the King comes to Lotheby Manor, near
Guildford, in Surrey, the Lord (who is at present Colonel Molineux)
is to present his Majesty with three whores.* Lotheby Manor lies in
the road to Portsmouth, and his Majesty went through it. Query
whether Colonel Molineux performed the custom ?
* [See sub voce " Cotleslmlle " p. 200 and " Gnildford " p. 213.
Nettleham. 225
Nettleham.
[1833, Part 7, p. 207.]
About three miles north-east from the city of Lincoln is a populous
village called Nettleham, which, like most others, has its annual wake,
or feast. This is held at Easter, and called the Flitun, from the
custom, as I should conceive, of eating flauns, or cheesecakes, on
that occasion. I have taken the word to be synonymous with the
cheesecake ; as I believe the Saxon flena might have been used
generally for any pastry of this nature, as custard, pancake, etc. In
proof of the last meaning, Sir W. Scott, in his novel of the Abbot,
(vol. ii. ch. 13, of the New Series,) puts into the mouth of old Dryfes-
dale this proverb, " He that is hanged in May will eat no flaunes
in Midsummer," and explains the word by pancakes. Old Tusser, in
a distich quoted by Johnson, makes use of the term in a way that
shews the flaun to have been the usual accompaniment of the wake,
for he says,
" Fill oven full of flauns, Ginny pass not for sleep,
To-morrow thy father his •wake-Jay will keep j
but nothing can be collected from it to point out the precise meaning
of the word. Leaving, however, this part of the subject, can any of
your numerous and intelligent correspondents furnish me with any
instance of the word having been used to signify the wake or feast ?
I have but little, or rather no doubt in my own mind, but that
anciently the word signified in common parlance the same as it now
does at Nettleham ; where the term to express the thing eaten has
passed on to signify the occasion, or period of eating it. And on
these data I would suggest that our verb to flaunt, of which no
derivation has been given by the lexicographers, had its origin in this
manner. Everybody knows that holidays of this sort call forth the
gayest dress ; and it might happen that one neighbour seeing another
more than usually decked out, would say, "Eh ! what? you're going
to flaun it ;" and that these two last words were abbreviated, or rather
coalesced, to form the word flaunt.
Whether this is the true origin of the word, I leave to others to
determine ; the idea has struck me forcibly, and I take this plan of
making it public. To each of your readers I would say, in the
language of Horace, " Si quid novisti rectius istis, candidus imperti :
si non, his utere mecum." Yours, etc,
J. A. C. K.
Newcastle-on-Tyne.
[1859, Part I., p. III.]
The Corporation of Newcastle-upon-Tyne are bound to entertain
the Judges of Assize and to protect them to Carlisle ; the latter duty
226 Local Customs.
they perform by presenting each of the Judges with a gold xx shilling
piece of Charles I. to buy a dagger, and the money so given is called
dagger-money. They always present it in the coinage of Charles I.,
for which they sometimes have to pay high prices when it happens to
be scarce in the numismatic market. This ceremony of payment
was duly performed at the autumn assizes of 1856, and the writer
was shown the coin received by one of the Lord Justices. It was a
xx shilling piece of Charles I. in very fair preservation.
Oxford.
[1738, //. 106, 107.]
This being St. Scholastica's Day, a certain number of the principal
burgesses did publicly pay each one penny, in token of their sub-
mission to the Orders and Rights of the University. The occasion
of this custom and offering was a barbarous and bloody outrage
committed by the citizens in the reign of Edward III., against the
persons and goods of several scholars, which drew a great and just
amercement upon the criminals. The city pretended they were not
able to pay the fine, without their utter ruin, and did humbly pray,
and at last obtained a mitigation from the University. An annual
payment of 100 marks was then accepted: and this, by the farther
favour of the University, was changed into a small yearly acknow-
ledgement, viz., That the Mayor, and 62 such townsmen as had been
sworn that year to preserve the privileges of the University, should
yearly, upon this day, repair to St. Mary's Church, and should then
and there offer 63 pence, in memory of the barbarous murder of 63
innocent scholars.
Pamber.
[1810, Part I., pp. 308, 309.]
The Court-leet holden annually for the manor of Pamber, near
Basingstoke in Hampshire, is opened sub dio, in a small piece of
ground, called " Lady Mead " (probably a corruption of " Law-day
Mead "), which belongs to the tything-man for the year. Thence an
adjournment is made to a neighbouring public-house. The proceed-
ings of the Court are recorded on a piece of wood called a " Tally,"
about three feet long, and an inch and a half square, furnished every
year by the Steward. These tallies do not seem to be well calculated
to preserve the records inscribed upon them ; as one which I have
seen for the year 1745, was worm-eaten, and part of the writing had
become illegible. Some years ago, when their number had accumu-
lated, many of them were burnt, being considered as useless lumber.
In a law-suit at Winchester, one of these singular records was pro-
duced in evidence ; which occasioned a Counsellor on the opposite
Pamber. 227
side of the question to denominate it a " wooden cause." The Lord
of the Manor is chosen annually ; to whom belong stray cattle, etc.,
and who has a right to hunt and hawk as far as Windsor.
The custom of commencing the Court in the open air may not be
peculiar to this Manor ;* as similar ones are mentioned in Dr. Plott's
Natural History of Oxfordshire, and in Hutchinson's Cumberland.
Whether the wooden records may be altogether singular, I know
not Probably Blount's " Fragmenta Antiquitatis ; or Ancient
Tenures of Land, and Jocular Customs of some Manors " (which
1 have not an opportunity of consulting), may mention similar cases,
if any such exist. The custom, however, appears to be a remnant of
remote antiquity. The "Tally-writer" (teller) of the Exchequer is
still an office. Shakespeare makes Jack Cade say, in accusation of
Lord Sands (Henry VI., Part 2.), "Whereas, before our forefathers
had no other books but the score and the tally, thou hast caused
printing to be used, and, contrary to the King, his crown, and
dignity, thou hast built a paper-mill." — Solon's laws, which were to
continue in force for a hundred years, were written upon wooden
tables, which might be turned round in the oblong cases which con-
tained them. They were called " cyrbes," as Aristotle tells us ; and
Cratinus, the comic Poet, thus spoke of them :
" By the great names of Solon and of Draco,
Whose cyrbes now but serve to boil our pulse."
MAYOR'S PLUTARCH : Life of Solon, p. 58.
The "Scytale Laconica" was a little round staff, on which the
Lacedemonians used to write their secret letters. In the Apocrypha,
2 Esdras xiv. 24, 37, 44, we read of books made of box-trees, written
in the field ; and Horace has leges incidere ligno. — Perhaps some of
your Correspondents may be able to throw farther light on the origin
of this custom, as observed in the Manor of Pamber.
There is another singular custom in the same neighbourhood, which
may perhaps be amusing to your Readers. When the head of a
family who keeps bees, dies, it is usual for a person, after the decease
of the owner of the bees, to repair to the hives, and, gently tapping
them, to say :
" Bees, bees, awake !
Your Master is dead ;
And another you must take."
This ceremony is performed from the supposition, that otherwise
the bees would either all die, or fly away. Can any of your Readers
refer to any profitable origin of this custom ? Is it any relick of
Popish superstition? Some strange stories of Bees, from Popish
writers, are mentioned in Butler's Treatise on Bees.
J- J-
* See G. L. Gomme's Printitii'c l-'olkwools, 1880, p. 122, tl fassim.
15 — 2
228 Local Customs.
Randwic.
[1784, Part I., p. 334, 335.]
As I was last year passing through the village of Randwic, near
Stroud, in Gloucestershire, my attention was attracted by a crowd of
people assembled round an horsepond, in which I observed a man,
on whom I imagined the country people were doing justice in that
summary way for which an English mob is so famous, though I was
at the same time surprised to hear them singing, as I thought, a
psalm, since I never knew that to be a part of the form of such
judicial proceedings. I soon, however, was informed of my error,
and learned that it being the second Monday after Easter, the people
of the parish were assembled, according to an annual custom (the
origin of which no man could tell me) to keep a revel One of the
parish is, it seems, on the above-mentioned day, elected mayor, and
carried with great state, colours flying, drums beating, men, women,
and children shouting, to a particular horsepond, in which his
worship is placed, seated in an armchair ; a song is then given out
line by line by the clerk, and sung with great gravity by the surround-
ing crowd
THE LORD MAYOR OF RANDWIC'S SONG.
i.
" When Archelus began to spin,
And Polio wrought upon a loom ;
Our trade to flourish did begin,
Tho' conscience went to selling broom.
2.
" Had Helen then sat carding wool,
Whose beauteous face did cause much strife,
She had not sure broke throughuhat rule.
Which caus'd so many to lose their lives.
3-
" Had too Helen's wanton love
I Eaten his food with sweet content,
He had nol then disturb'd the peace
When he to Greece a-wooing went.
4-
" When princes sons kept sheep in field,
And queens made cakes with oaten flour,
And men to lucre did not yield,
Which brought good cheer to every bower.
5-
" But when the giants huge and high,
Did fight with spears like weaver's beams ;
And men in iron beds did lie,
Which brought the poor to hard extremes:
Randwic. 229
" When cedar-trees were grown so rife,
And pretty birds did sing on high ;
Then weavers liv'd more void of strife,
Than princes of great dignity.
7-
" Then David with a sling and stone,
Not fearing great Goliath's strength,
He pierc'd his brains, and broke his bones.
Tho" he was nine feet and a span in length.
Chorus.
" Let love and friendship still agree,
To hold the bonds of amity."
The instant it is finished, the mayor breaks the peace by throwing
water in the face of his attendants. Upon this much confusion
ensues ; his worship's person is, however, considered as sacred, and
he is generally the only man who escapes being thoroughly souced.
The rest of that day, and often of the week, is devoted to riot and
drunkenness. The county magistrates have, endeavoured, but in vain,
to put a stop to this practice. Can any of your correspondents
inform me of the origin of this custom, and whether there exists the
like in any other place in England ?
The song was given me by the clerk of the parish, who said it had
never been written before. It wants, you observe, some explanation ;
more, indeed, than I imagine anyone will think it worth their while
to bestow upon it.
[1784, Part II., p. 495.]
The custom of chusing a mayor at Randwic, co. Gloucester, is thus
described by Mr. Rudder in his history of that county [1779], p. 619:
" At this place an annual revel is kept on the Monday after Low-
Sunday, probably the wake of the church, attended with much
irregularity and intemperance, and many ridiculous circumstances
in the choice of a mayor, who is yearly elected on that day from
among the meanest of the people. They plead the prescriptive right
of ancient custom for the licence of the day, and the authority of
magistracy is not able to suppress it." There seems to be nothing
else to distinguish this village, whose manor is first mentioned in the
reign of Henry VI. The drift of the song is evidently a panegyric
on the woollen manufactory, drawn from the story of Hercules de-
basing himself to spin with Dejanira, and a similar degradation of
Apollo for a like reason. Many obscure places in England claim the
privilege of choosing a mayor, which some of your correspondents
may be able to account for. At present Fleshy, in Essex, the
Local Customs.
residence of our high constables almost from the Conquest, and,
perhaps, of eminence in the Roman times, may serve as one instance
among others.
Richmond (Surrey).
[1731, p. 402.]
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 1731. — Being Holy Rood Day, the King's Hunts-
men hunted their Free Buck in Richmond new Park, with Blood
Hounds, according to Custom.
St. Briaval's.
[1816, Part II., p. 364.]
Singular Custom. — On Whitsunday, at St. Briaval's, in Gloucester-
shire, several baskets-full of bread and cheese, cut into small squares of
about an inch each, are brought into the church ; and, immediately after
divine service is ended, the churchwardens, or some other persons,
take them into the galleries, whence their contents are thrown among
the congregation, who have a grand scramble for them in the body of
the church. This occasions as great a tumult and uproar as the
amusements of a village wake ; the inhabitants being always extremely
anxious to attend worship on this day. The custom is holden for the
purpose of preserving to the poor of St. Briaval's and Hervelsfield, the
right of cutting and carrying away wood from 3,000 acres of coppice
land, in Hudknolls and the Meend; and for which every housekeeper
is assessed zd. to buy the bread and cheese which are given away.
Tonge.
[1801, Part II., ff>. 715, 716.]
In vol. Ixx. p. 934, a correspondent (who gives a very inadequate
idea of that beautitul church of Tonge, in Shropshire) enquires for the
origin of a singular custom annually observed there, of placing a garland
of flowers round the effigies of an antient monument, to the memory
of a Vernon. In the Appendix to the second volume of the History
of Staffordshire, lately published, p. 1 1, is the following curious expla-
nation of the above custom, proving it to be a tenure :
" Roger de la Zouch, being antiently lord of this manor of Tonge, granted to
Henry de Hugefort three yard lands, three messuages, and cerlain woods, lying
in Norton and Shaw, in this parish, with other privileges, rendering yearly to him
and his heirs a chaplet of roses on St. John Baptist's day, in case he or they should
he then at Tonge ; if not, then to be put upon the image of the Blessed Virgin in
the church of Tonge for all services. But, since the removal of such images, the
Fosters, the owners of the said land, every year put the said chaplet about the
work of the statue of the man lying upon this monument."
Tonge. 231
[1841, fart JJ.,f. 357.]
Annexed, I send you some tintinabulary lines I copied, when visiting
the curious old church of Tong in Shropshire. They may perhaps
amuse some of the " college youth " who peruse your Magazine, and
if you think so they are much at your service. Yours, etc.
JOHN MARTIN.
TONG CHURCH, SALOP.
"If that to ring you doe come here
you must ring well with hand and eare
Keep stroke of time and goe not out
or else you forfeet out of doubt
Our law is so constructed here
for every fault a jugg of beer
If that you ring with spurr or hat
a jugg of beer must pay for that
If that you take a rope in hand
These forfeits you must not withstand
or if that you a bell o'erthrow
it must cost sixpence ere you goe
If in this place you swear or curse
Sixpence to pay, pull out your purse
come pay the clerk it is his fee
for one that swears shall not goe free.
These laws are old and are not new
Therefore the clerk must have his due.
George Harrison
1694."
Tutbury.
[See Hazlitt's Blount's Tenures, pp. 329-345, from other sources.]
[1808, 1'art /., /. 3.]
" THE HONOURABLE AND ANTIENT COURT OF THE MINSTRELS,
ASSEMBLED AT TUTBURY,* AUGUST THE 1 7th, 1772.
" To the Duke (/DEVONSHIRE.
" May it please your Grace,
"WE the Jury of this Court most humbly petition your Grace, that
the Writings concerning this Court may be laid open before the King
and Stewards of this Court, that we may understand our right. We
apprehend we have a right to a piece of ground called the Piper's
Meadow, formerly in the hands of Pratt of Tutbury, now Thomas
Taller of Etwel, who lets it to Samuel Salt of Rolston. This rent has
been publicly demanded at the Castle, but without any redress. There-
fore for the want of the rest of perquisites we receive our Dinners for
twenty-five men ; viz. twelve Jurymen for Staffordshire, and twelve
Jurymen for Derbyshire, and beer to the aforesaid dinners ; and
* See Plott's Staffordshire.
Local Customs.
twelve shillings acknowledgement for the rent of this piece of ground ;
which said twelve shillings we expect to be made whole rent of the
said Piper's Meadow, as it is now let for the yearly rent of
Likewise the perquisites of the amerciaments, which used to be 35. 4d.
for every Minstrel that doth not appear if enrolled ; and 6s. 8d. for
playing upon an Instrument, and not appearing in this Court. Most
Gracious Duke, we cannot maintain the rights of straining for these
misdemeanours of the Minstrels of Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leices-
tershire, and Warwickshire, without the protection of your Grace. It
hath been therefore concluded, and believe Derbyshire stands to the
conclusion, that, without the rent of the said Piper's Meadow be paid
to the King of the Minstrels, the said Juriors do not appear. There is
want of Members, want of Juriors, want of Stewards ; and, in conse-
quence, must in a short time be a want of a Bull-running. If the
rent was paid, and the members came into their office according to
order, there would not be so many Minstrels absent. They would be
willing to come at the profit of 20!. a year, as well as the honour of
being King. Much ado there has been for several years to get to the
honour of being King ; and when they only find honour, and no profit,
they directly leave the Court ; which said Court cannot be upheld
without its Members ; which said Members being met there, then
upon Juries pannelled, and not before that same day, for the perqui-
sites will not pay extra expence. We therefore, knowingly and wit-
tingly, considering the want of our Members, with the reason of their
absence, most humbly petition your Grace, that a writing proper to
this affair be transmitted to the King of this Minstrel Court ; and
that the said writing be ordered to be delivered from King to King.
There might be a voluminous subject on this affair; but this is enough
to let your Grace understand the reason of the decay of this Court ;
which we do not doubt but your Grace will timely remedy. Done
at Tutbury, according to the tenour of our oath.
"HENRY COXON, King.
"Henry Coxon, Joseph Cotm-ay, Thomas Attlt, Jeremiah Heath, John
Hill, John Burton, Robert Tunecliff, George Authorbourgh, Coi-
iielius Dtijfleld, Thomas Launder, William Walles, John Adams,
Juriors.
"Joseph Conway, Thomas Attlt: Stewards."
Warlingham.
[Hazlitt's Blounfs Tenures, p. 355.]
[I782,/. 367.]
Mr. Beckwith, p. 172, asks for any particular customs not noted
in Blount's " Tenures." I have not the book by me, therefore I do
not know whether he mentions the following :
Wichnor.
" In the parish of Warlingham, in Surrey, there is (or was about
30 or 40 years ago) a custom which seems to refer to the rites per-
formed in honour of Pomona. Early in the spring, the boys go
round to the several orchards in the parish, and whip the apple-trees,
in order to procure a plentiful crop of fruit, and, after having done
it, they carry a little bag to the house, where the good woman gives
them some meal (or oatmeal).*
Wichnor.
THE FLITCH OF BACON.
[1819, Part I., pp. 14, 15.]
On the road between Lichfield and Burton upon Trent, near
Wichnor village, a large Inn commemorates by this sign the curious
custom of the manor, which was granted in the reign of Edward III.
by the Earl of Lancaster, Lord of the honour of Tutbury, to Sir
Philip de Somerville, on condition that "the said Sir Philip shall
fynde, meynteigne, and susteyne one bacon flyke, hanging in his
halle at Wichenore, ready arrayed all tymes of the yere bott in Lent,
to be given to everyche mane or womane married, after the dey and
yere of their marriage be passed, and to be given to everyche man
of religion, archbishop, prior, or other religious ; and to everyche
priest, after the year and day of their profession finished, or of their
dignity reseyved in forme following ; — whensoever that any such
before named wylle come for to enquire for the baconne in their own
person, or by any other for them, they shall come to the bayliff or
porter of the Lordship of Whichenour, and shall say to them in the
manere as ensewethe :
' Bayliffe or porter, I doo you to know that I am come for myself
(or if he come for any other, shewing for whome) for one bacon
flyke, hanging in the halle of the Lord of Whichenour, after the
forme thereto longinge.'
"After which relation, the bayliffe or porter shal assigne a daye to
him, upon promise of his feythe to return, and with him to bring
tweyne of his neighbours ; and in the meyn time, the said bailif shall
take with him tweyne of the freeholders of the Lordship of Whiche-
noure, and they three shal goe to the mannour of Rudlowe, belonging
to Robert Knyghtly, and then shal somon the foresaid Knightley,
or his bayliffe, commanding him to be ready at Whichenour, the day
appointed, at pryme of day, with his carriage ; that is to say, a horse
and sadyle, a sakke and a pryke, for to convey and carry the said
* This is no (entire, therefore has no place in Blount. See a similar custom,
without the whipping, in the manors of Keston and Wickham, Kent. — Hasted's
Kent, i. 109. Dues not the former remind as of the mode of fructifying palms in
the East ?
234 Local Customs.
bacon and corn a journey out of the county of Stafford, at his
costages ; and then the sayd bailiffe shal, wiih the sayd freeholders,
somon all the tenants of the said manoir to be ready at the day ap-
pointed at Whichenour, for to do and performe the services to the
baconne. And at the day assigned, all such as owe services to the
baconne, shall be ready at the gate of the manoir, from the sonne
risinge to none, attendyng and awayting for the comyng of him and
his felowys chapaletts, and so all those whiche shal be there to doe
their services deue to the baconne : and they shal lead the said de-
mandant, wythe tromps and labours, and other manner of minstral-
seye, to the halle close, where he shal fynde the lord of Whichenour
ready to deliver the baconne in this manere :
" He shall enquire of him which demandeth the baconne, if he
have brought tweyne of his neighbours, who must answere, ' They
be here redy;' and then the steward shall cause these two neighbours
to swere yf the said demandant be a weddyt man, or have be a man
weddyt, and yf syth his marriage one yere and a day be passed, and
yf he be a freeman or villeyn : and yf his seid neighbours make
othe that he hath for him all these three points rehersed, then shal
the bacon be take downe and brought to the halle dore, and shal
there be layed upon one halfe a quarter of wheatte, and upon one
other of rye : and he that demandeth the baconne shall kneel upon
his knee, and shall hold his right hande upon a booke, which shal
be laid above the baconne and the come, and shal make oath in this
manere :
' Here ye Sir Philip de Somervyle, lord of Whichenour, mayntayner
and giver of this baconne, that I A. sylh I wedded B. my wife, and
syth I had her in my kepyng, and at wylle, by a yere and a daye
after our marryage, I would not have changed rier for none other,
farer ne fowler, richer ne powrer, ne for none other descended of
gretter lynage, slepyng ne wakyng, at noo tyme ; and if the seid B.
were sole, and I sole, I wolde take her to be my wife before all the
wymen of the world, and of what condytions soevere they be, good
or evyle, as helpe me God and his seyntys, and this flesh and all
fleshes.'
" And his neighbours shal make oath that they trust verily he hath
said truely. And yf it be found by his neighbours aforenamed, that
he be a freeman, then shall be delyvered to him halfe a quarter of
wheatte and a cheese ; and yf he be a villein, he shal have half a
quarter of rye, withoutte cheese ; and then shal Knyghtley, the lord
of Rudlowe, be called for to carry all their things to fore rehersed,
and the said corn shall be layd upon one horse, and he that the
baconne apperteyneth shal ascend upon his horse, and shall take the
chese before hym, if he have a horse, and yf he have none, the lord
of Whichenour shall cause him to have one horse and sadyl, to such
tyme as he passed his lordshippe, and so shal they departe the manoyr
Winchester. 235
of Whichenour, with the corn and the baconne to fore him that hath
wonne ytt, with trompets, tabourets, and other manoir of minstralsce;
and all the free tenants of Whichenour shall conduct him to be passed
the Lordship of Whichenour; and then shall they retorne, except
hym to whom apperteiyneth to make the carryage and journey with-
outt the countye of Stafford at the costys of his Lord of Whichenour,
and yf the seid Robert Knyghtley do not cause the baconne and
corne to be conveyed as is rehersed, the Lord of Whichenour shal
do it to be carryed, and shal distreigne the said Robert Knyghtley,
for his default, for one hundred shillings in his manoir of Rudlowe,
and shall kepe the distresse so takyn, irreplevisable."
Winchester.
[1796, Part I., pp. 208-210.]
The query in your last, p. 102, signed Marcus, has just been shewn
to me. An old correspondent (such he may justly style himself; for,
he believes, it is upwards of six-and-forty years since He was delighted
to see a schoolboy production of his in your Miscellany) is happy
that he is able to gratify Marcus and his boys with a copy of the song
they wish to see. He adds to it an imitation in English, composed
several years ago, to be sung in chorus at a public concert by the
scholars of a country-school the week before the Whitsun holidays.
The air to the " Dulce Domum " was composed by John Reading, in
the reign of Charles II.
The original tune to " God save the King" (the tune, at last, which
evidently furnished the subject of it) is to be found in a book of
Harpsichord-Lessons by Henry Purcell, published by his widow after
his death. It is in four parts ; Carey could, therefore, have no occa-
sion to request the addition of a bass, had he himself been unequal
to the composing one : but his Ballads and Cantatas prove that this
was not the case. Sir John Hawkins informs us, that he had been a
disciple of Geminiani, and speaks slightly of his musical learning,
considering the advantages he had had. He acknowledges, however,
that he was enough informed to be able to get a bass to a Cantata.
Who knows not Henry Carey's arch London Pastoral, " Sally in our
Alley," at its first appearance so much the delight of Mr. Addison ?
" Concinamus, O sodales !
Eja ! quid silemus?
Nobile canticum !
Dulce melos, domum !
Dulce domum, resonemus !
Chorus.
" Domum, domum, dulce domum !
Domum, domum, dulce domum !
Dulce, dulce, dulce domum !
Dulce domum, resonemus !
236 Local Customs.
" Appropinquat ecce ! felix
Hora gaudiorum,
Post grave tedium
Advenit omnium
Meta petita laborum.
Domum, domum, etc.
" Musa ! libros mitte, fessa ;
Mitte pensa dura,
Mitte negotium,
Jam datur otium,
Me mea mittito cura !
Domum, domum, etc.
" Ridet annus, prata rident,
Nosque rideamus,
Jam repetit domum,
Daulias advena :
Nosque domum repetarmis,
Domum, domum, etc.
Heus ! Rogere, fer caballos ;
Eja, nunc camus,
I jmen amabile ;
Matris et oscula,
Suaviter et repetamus.
Domum, domum, etc.
" Concinamus ad Penates,
Vox et audiatur :
Phosphore ! quid jubar,
Segnius cancans,
Gaudia nostra moratur.
Domum, domum, etc."
Imitated in English, so as to be sung to the same air :
" Let us all, my blythe companions,
Join in mirthful, mirthful glee !
Pleasant our subject !
Sweet, oh ! sweet our object !
Home, sweet home, we soon shall see.
Chorus.
"' Home, the seat of joy and pleasure,
Home, sweet home, inspires our lay !
Welcome, freedom ! Welcome, leisure !
Every care be far away.
'• Now the swallow, bird of summer,
Seeks again her long-left home ;
See her nest preparing 1
We, my boys, shall share in
The dear delights of home, sweet home !
Home, the seat, etc.
Winchester. 237
" Swift as thought, ye generous coursers,
Bear us to the wish'd-for end !
To the fonJ caresses,
The tender embraces,
Of each lov'd and loving friend.
Home, the seat, etc.
Yours, etc. B. B.
A correspondent having requested a copy of the favourite com-
position, which is sung previous to the holidays at some schools, I
have subjoined it, together with a translation ; which, if it is not
worthy of the original, may stimulate some abler head to favour us
with a better. I shall be obliged, in my turn, if any of your corres-
pondents will inform me who was the author of that Ode, and whether
it is sung at any other great school besides Winchester.
J. R.
*,* We insert this gentleman's Translation ; and are obliged to him, and to
several other correspondents (particularly E. I., H. G., T. M., VERITAS, and
/K.\. NAS. ), for their obliging readiness in favouring us with copies of the song.
" Sing a sweet melodious measure,
Waft enchanting lays around ;
Home ! a theme replete with pleasure !
Home ! a grateful theme, resound !
Chorus.
" Home, sweet home ! an ample treasure !
Home ! with ev'ry blessing crown'd !
Home ! perpetual source of pleasure !
Home ! a noble strain, resound !
" Lo ! the joyful hour advances ;
Happy season of delight !
Festal songs, and festal dances,
All our tedious toil requite.
Home, sweet home ! etc.
" Leave, my weary'd Muse, thy learning,
Leave thy task, so hard to bear ;
Leave thy labour, ease returning,
Leave my bosom, O ! my care.
Home, swett home ! etc.
" See the year, the meadow, smiling !
Let us then a smile display ;
Rural sports, our pain beguiling,
Rural pastime^ call away.
Home, sweet home ! etc.
' Now the swallow seeks her dwelling,
And no longer loves to roam ;
Her example thus impelling,
Let us seek our native home.
Home, sweet home ! etc.
238 Local Customs.
" Let our men and steeds assemble,
Panting for the wide champaign ;
Let the ground beneath us tremble
While we scour along the plain.
Home, sweet home ! etc.
" Oh ! what raptures, oh ! what blisses,
When we gain the lovely gate !
Mother's arms, and mother's kisses,
There our blest arrival wait.
Home, sweet home ! etc.
" Greet our household gods with singing ;
Lend, O Lucifer, thy ray ;
Why should light, so slowly springing,
All our promis'd joys delay?
Home, sweet home ! etc."
In compliance with your correspondent Marcus's request, I here-
with send you an exact copy of the " Duke Domum " song, as it is
sung on the evening preceding the Whitsun holidays at St. Mary
college, Winton ; at which time the masters, scholars, and choristers,
attended by a band of music, walk in procession round the courts of
the college, singing the above verses ; and which, tradition says, is in
commemoration of a boy belonging to that school, who, for some
misdemeanour, was confined to the college during the holidays, which
lay so heavy upon his mind, that, after compiling these, he is said to
have pined and died. See the History of Winchester.
T. M.
For the perusal of Marcus, and his pupils, I have transcribed
from a late ingenious periodical publication the " Dulce Domum,"
with its history. Yours, etc.
VERITAS.
"The 'Dulce Domum' was written, about 200 years since, by a Winchester
scholar, detained at the usual time of breaking-up, and chained to a tree or pillar
for his offence to the master, when the other scholars had liberty to visit their
respective homes while the breaking-up lasted. Which confined scholar was so
affected with grief, by being thus detained from seeing his dear home, and for the
loss of his liberty, that he was passionately mo\ed to write his distressful senti-
ments of anxiety, on finding himself deprived of the sight of his friends like the
rest of his school companions ; that, calling to mind the loss of all the beloved
objects of his happiness, he died broken-hearted before his companions returned.
" In memory of this unhappy incident, the scholars of Winchester school, or
college, attended by the master chaplains, organist, and choristers, have an annual
procession, and walk round the pillar or tree three times, to which their fellow
collegian was chained, before the procession ends, singing all the time."
At Linley's musick-shop, No. 45, Holbourn, late Eland's, the song
and chorus of " Dulce Domum," with the original musick, the Latin
words, and an English translation, are published in a single sheet,
Winchester. 239
price is., with variations to the musick by a Mr. T. Field. There are
six verses besides the chorus. I should be obliged to Marcus to
inform me, by whom the Latin verses were written, and also by whom
the original musick was composed.
If Marcus delights in musick, he may find the same air, varied by
S. C. Fischer, adapted for the piano-forte by young Mr. Cramer, in a
single sheet, price is., at any of the musick-shops, set in a masterly
and very pleasing manner. Yours, etc.
N. S.
[1796, Part II., p. 570.]
As so much hath been said respecting the old composition called
" Dulce Domum " in your Magazine for March last, possibly the
following observations may not appear obtrusive to your readers.
There is a quotation in p. 209, as well as an article, in the same
page, signed T. M., which say, the tradition goes, that a boy, con-
fined during the vacation, was the author, and that he wrote under so
great a depression of spirits, that he died before his companions re-
turned. It must be observed here, that what follows is not intended
as an answer either to T. M. or Veritas, as they have merely given
the tradition without comment, but is meant merely as applicable to
the tale. It appears to me, that the lines intituled " Dulce Domum,"
could never have been written by a person labouring under a melan-
choly deprivation of his long-expected return to his " home, sweet
home ;" on the contrary, it seems to have been written when almost
intoxicated with pleasure at the certain prospect of the next hours of
morning wafting him on to his "household gods." Every line, and
every image, argues for my supposition ; he calls on his fellows to
rejoice that the prospect is almost realized to them. Would he have
done so were he alone deprived of it? "Lo! the joyful hour ad-
vances !" Surely, not to him, who, " chained to a tree or pillar," was
condemned to linger out in penance what his comrades enjoyed as
" the happy season of delight." Poor fellow ! festal songs and dances
were denied to him as a requital for the labours of his Muse ; it is
not, therefore, probable she should trip " on light fantastic toe," as
she does on this occasion. His " weary'd Muse " has shown herself
a lass of much fire, to baffle the pangs of disappointment and despair
in a mind which was so soon to sink beneath the load of life. In
short, there appears to me a very slender foundation indeed for the
tradition : it is much more probable that it was written by some one
who had felt the delights of a return to their home. It might, how-
ever, have been composed by a boy, who had behaved amiss, before
his punishment was communicated to him.
Perhaps I have been only combating a shadow, which most tra-
ditions are.
J. P. MALCOLM.
240 Local Customs.
[1811, Part 11., p, 503.]
I am much pleased with Viator's translation [p. 461] of the " Dulce
Domum," which is annually performed at St. Mary's College, Win-
chester. There are circumstances connected with the origin of this
song, which cannot fail to interest your readers, if correctly given by
some of your Wykamical correspondents ; and I hope a certain
Clergyman, who has frequently enriched your columns, with his
admirable and energetic writings in defence of the established church,
who received his education at that celebrated seminary, will in an
early Number favour you with an authentic account of its author, his
character, and fate. The following translation of this beautiful song
is inserted in a well-chosen collection of songs, etc., in two volumes,
by Mr. Frederick Augustus Hyde, dedicated to that eminent com-
poser of English musick, William Shield, Esq.
ST. CROSS.
" In happy concert let us sing,
For why should silence reign,
To press the joys that inward spring,
Ami hope of home restrain.
Chorus.
" ' Home, home, sweet home,'
Our constant eye
We fix on thee and liberty,
Whilst hearty joys speak unanimity.
" The happy time at length draws near,
Short time, a month's duration ;
After a tedious study here,
Comes grateful recreation.
' Home, home, ' etc.
" The Muse, to labour long confiii'd,
Her votary now releases;
Comes freedom, welcome to the mind,
All care scholastic ceases.
' Home, home,' etc.
' ' The year puts on its gladsome face,
To festal mirth inviting;
Philomel seeks her native place,
For that's the most delighting.
* Home, home,' etc.
" Come, Roger, quickly bring the horses,
'Tis burthensome to stay ;
With chat of fond mamma's caresses,
We'll cheat the tiresome way.
' Home, home,' etc.
" Wiih loudest paeans let the skies
Most joyfully now rend ;
Thou morning-star, why, slow to rise,
Dost thou our hopes suspend.
' Home, home,' etc.
Westminster. 241
Westminster.
[1785, Part I., p. 341.]
There was, till within the present century, retained within the
precincts of the royal palace of Westminster, a solemn officer, styled
the king's cock crower ; whose duty, during the whole season of Lent,
was to crow the hour, instead of crying it, as is the practice of watch-
men. Whether that venerable function was abolished by the late bill
for the reformation, as it was called, of the Royal Household, I am
ignorant. I do know that in most seasons, wherein a pretended rage
for reformation prevails, many customs, whose origin did in reality
aim at reforming our manners and lives, are confounded with abuses,
and levelled indiscriminately. The intention of crowing the hour of
the night was undoubtedly to remind waking sinners of the august
effect the third crowing of the cock had on the guilty apostle St.
Peter : and the limitation of the custom to the season of Lent was
judiciously adopted ; as, had the practice continued throughout the
year, the impenitent would become as habituated and as indifferent
to the crow of the mimic cock, as they are to that of the real one, or
to the cry of the watchman. The adaptation to the precincts of the
court seems also to have had a view, as if the institutor (probably the
Royal Confessor) had considered that the greater and more obdurate
sinners resided within the precincts of the palace.
16
1
I
Games.
16-3
GAMES.
\
Sports on_Sundays.
[1813, Part I., p. 17.]
THE following paper is certainly a great curiosity, and worthy
of being preserved from oblivion ; for, first, it shews what
methods were used heretofore for granting relief to the necessitous ;
next, it proves that in the reign of Queen Elizabeth sports on Sundays
were common ; and lastly, it informs us of the nature of the pastimes
that were in those days in use. As to the authority of this piece, it
it a transcript from the original, formerly in the possession of Sir John
Evelyn, bart.
J. FAULKNER.
" Middlesex.— To all Majors, Sherefles, Constables, and other Hed Officers,
within the Countie of Middlesex.
" After our hartie commendations. Whereas we are informed that one John
Seconton Powlter, dwellinge within the parishe of St. Clements Daines, beinge
a poore man, havinge fower small children, and fallen into decay, ys lycensed to
have and use some playes and games, at uppon nine severall Sondaies, for his
better relief, comforte, and sustentacion, within the countie of Middlesex, to com-
mence and begynne at and from xxiind daie of Maye next comynge, after the date
hereof, and not to remayne in one place not above three severall Sondaies : And
we consideringe that great resort of people is lyke to come thereunto, we will and
require you, as well for good order as also for the preservation of the Queen's
Majesty's peace, that you take with you foure or fyve of the discrete and sub-
stantial! men within your office or libertie, where the games shall be put in
practice, then and there to forsee and do your endeavour to your best in that
behalf duringe the continuance of the games or playes ; which games are here-
after severally mentioned, that is to say, the Shotinge with the Standarde, the
Shotinge with the Erode Arrowe, the Shotinge at the Twelve Shore Prick, the
Shotinge at the Tarthe, the Leppinge for Men, the Runninge for Men, the
Wrastlinge, the Throwinge of the Sledge, and the Pytchinge of the Barre, with
all such other games as have at any time hertofore or now be lycensed, used, or
played.
" ( leaven the xxvith daie of April!, in the eleventh year of the Queen's Ma-
jesty's Raigne."
246 Games.
Plays and Pastimes of Children.
[1738. //. 80, 81.]
The Craftsman, Feb. 4, No. 604.
A manuscript writen by a great Uncle of mine, who dy'd soon
after the revolution, came lately into my Hands. It is a sort of
chronological Animadversion upon the Plays and Pastimes of
Children ; by comparing wch with ye Times, when He supposes them
to be invented, he would shew that they were so many political
Satires, to ridicule such Follies and Corruptions, as it was not safe to
do in any other Manner — My Uncle was a very honest Man, a great
Lover of Liberty, and in the Main a man of Sense ; but, a little
whimsical in his Writings, as will be seen by this Abstract of his
Manuscript
" Hot-cockles," and " more Sacks to the Mill," were certainly in-
vented in the highest times of Ignorance and Superstition ; when the
Layety were hoodwink'd, and a Parcel of Monks were saddling their
Backs, and bastinadoeing Them.
"Blindman's Buff" was a Ridicule upon Harry the 8th, and Woolsey ;
where the Cardinal Minister was bewildering his Master, with Treaty
upon Treaty, with several Princes, leaving him to catch whom he
could, till at last He caught his Minister, and gives him up to be
buffetted — When this Reign was farther advanced, and many of the
Abbey-Lands had been alienated, but the Clergy still retain'd some
Power, the Play most in Fashion was, " I am upon the Fryar's Ground,
picking up Gold and Silver."
Edward the 6th was a Child himself; but a Child of a pious
and studious Disposition ; and this good Example of the Prince
was generally follow'd by his People, who gave Themselves up
more to Study than Play, which was but little practised in this
Reign.
In Queen Mary's Reign, "Tag" was all the Play ; where the Lad
saves himself by touching of cold Iron — By this it was intended
to shew the Severity of the Church of Rome ; and that if People had
once gone off to the Reformers, tho' they were willing to return
to their old Idolatary, they must do it upon hard Terms — But in
latter Times, this Play hath been alter'd amongst Children of
Quality, by touching of Gold instead of Iron.
There is great Reason to believe, says my Uncle, that Queen
Elizabeth herself invented the Play, " I am a Spanish Merchant ;"
and that Burleigh's Children were the first, who play'd at it In this
Play, if any one offers to Sale what He hath not his Hand upon, or
touches, He forfeits This was meant, no Doubt, as an instruction
to Traders not to give Credit to the Spaniards. But when that
Plays and Pastimes of Children. 247
glorious Queen had reveng'd the Injuries of her Subjects, upon that
pyratical Nation, the Play of "Commerce" succeeded, and was in
Fashion during all her Reign.
With King James the ist, and the Scottish Nation, was introduced
the acting of Proverbs and Games of Dumb-shew ; which lasted till
the Power of the Star-Chamber grew so exorbitant, that to expose
and ridicule it, the Game of "Similes" was mightily play'd at
This Game gave Way, some Time before the Troubles, to " Cross-
Purposes ;" which was play'd at by Children of all Parlies.
Upon the Death of that misguided King, Charles the ist, the
Ridicule of the Times turn'd against Monarchy ; which, during the
Commonwealth, was burlesqued by every child in great Britain, who
set Himself up in Mock-Majesty, and play'd at "Questions and
Commands " — As, for Instance, " King I am, says one Boy ; another
answers, I am your Man ; then his Majesty demands, what Service
He will do him ; to which the obsequious Courtier replies, the Best
and Worst, and All I can."
During all Oliver's Time, the chief Diversion was, "the Parson
hath lost his Fuddling-Cap," which needs no Explanation.
At the Restoration of Charles the ad, when Nothing was thought
of but Pleasure and Gallantry, a Parcel of Love Games were intro-
duced; as "I love my Love with an A;" "a Flower and a Lady;" and "I
am a lusty Wooer ;" which that merry Monarch was said to have often
play'd at Himself, with many of the Court-Ladies ; and the Children
went on a long Time, to their great Prejudice, in these effeminate
Plays. But when the People began seriously to reflect on the vast
Sums, which the Restoration of this Family had cost, and what ill
Returns were made Them ; when They saw unnatural Alliances
enter'd into with their Enemies ; the Power of France raised ; the
Dutch neglected ; the Liberty of the Press restrain'd ; Plots forg'd, in
order to raise Armies ; Papists countenanc'd ; and many other things
done, which threaten'd their Liberty ; all true Lovers of their Country
exerted Themselves ; the Plays were chang'd ; and the latter End of
this Reign, as well as all King James the ad's, the Children of
England, except the Children of a few Courtiers, play'd at the Game,
"I am come to torment you."
At the Revolution, when all People recover'd their Liberty, the
Children play'd promiscuously at what Game They liked best — But
the Impartiality of an Historian obliges me to acknowledge that the
most favourite one was " Puss in the Corner." Every Body knows that,
in this Play, four Boys or Girls Post Themselves at the four Corners
of a Room, and a fifth in the Middle, who keeps Himself upon the
Watch to slip into one of the Corner-Places, whilst the present
Possessors are endeavouring to supplant one another — This was
certainly design'd to Ridicule the Scrambling for Places, at that
great Conjuncture ; and I wish I could say that it is not too much in
248 Games.
Fashion at present, amongst the Children of England, both spiritual
and temporal
I shall now set down the Game of Similes at large, with my Uncle's
Reflections upon it
I think, says he, there can be no Doubt that the Play call'd
" Similes " was invented to ridicule the forced Innuendoes and ar-
bitrary Judgments of the Star-Chamber ; for as, in that Court, the
Judges wrested the Words of the Party accused, according to their
Interpretation ; so, on the contrary, the Party, in the Play of Similes,
hath leave to give his own Construction ; and if he can make out the
remotest Similitude between his Word and the Word whisper'd, He
saves his Forfeit ; which should the Judge demand of Him, He is to
be try'd by a Jury of the whole Company, and if the Judge cannot
prove his Interpretation, He forfeits Himself. When the Person,
who receives the Forfeit, hath whisper'd a Word to the next, every
one of the Company is required to give another Word aloud ; which
suppose, for Instance, as follows — A Norfolk Dumpling —An Urchin
—Quick Silver — Shining Sand — A Forest — A Bishop — A Cuckow —
A Charcoal-Fire — A Spanish Lady — A Privateer — The Word whisper'd
was Conde Olivarez, formerly Prime-Minister of Spain. Then each
Person was either to forfeit, or make out some Similitude between the
Conde and the Word He gave ; as thus — The Conde is like a
Norfolk Dumpling ; being hard and heavy of Digestion. Like an
Urchin ; (or He withers the Teat, that nourishes Him — Quick-Silver;
because his Favours are chiefly bestow'd on Persons of the most
debauch'd Constitutions — Shining Sand ; He puts the same Gloss
upon Truth and Falshood — Forest ; He maintains Beasts of Prey —
A Bishop ; sweet, sour, and intoxicating — A Charcoal-Fire ; which
consumes, without blazing — A Cuckow ; makes others maintain his
Family— A Spanish Lady; is always veil'd— A Privateer; plunders
the Innocent.
This Round of Similes made so strong an Impression upon Me,
though I was then but very young, that it is still fresh in my Memory;
and several of my Playmates have since distinguish'd Themselves in
the Cause of Liberty, even with their Lives, against our old Enemies
the Spaniards, who will never cease to plunder and insult Us, whilst
They can do it with hnpunity.
Ancient Greek Game.
[1788, Part II., p. 1071.]
M. L' Archer, of whose translation of Herodotus you gave so
favourable a character in your vol. Ivi., p. 969, translates luiaatif, in
chapter xciv. of the first book, jeu des jettons ; and in a long note on
the passage, observes that he prefers this rendering, though it conveys
but a vague idea to that ofj'eu des dames, which would convey a false
Ancient Greek Game. 249
one. The game in question was played both with dice and counters,
and a skilful player could rectify a chance stroke. He supposes
Terence alludes to this game in his Adelphi, act iv., sc. viL, L 21 :
" Ita vita 'st hominum, quasi, cum ludas tesseris :
Si illiul, quod maxume opus est jactu, non cadit,
Illud, quod cecidit forte, id arte ut corrigas."
He adds, this game may have nearly resembled one of the kinds of
trictrac used in Europe. M. Simon seems to confound it with the
game called duodecim scriptorum ;* at least, M. Ernestit pretends that
that game was not played with dice, but was the same with that
called by the modern Greeks ^aXj/^io;, and came very near to chess :
but Salmasius, \ whom he cites, positively affirms that the game which
the Greeks called tutrKua, was played with dice and counters ; that
the Romans gave it the several names of tessera, alea, tabula, duodecim
serif ta. The following epigram § seems to favour his opinion :
" Discolor ancipiti sub jactu calculus adstat :
Decertantque simul candidus atque rubens.
Qui quamvis parili scriptorum tramite currant
Is capiet palniam quern bona fata juvantj"
M. Simon || cites this epigram incorrectly, and Gronovius 11 corrects
the last line :
" Is capiet palmam quern benljacla juvant."
The Latin translation of Herodotus renders taieeoi, calculi; and so
it properly signifies : but when applied to a game, it always means
one that is played with dice and counters. Thus far M. Archer.
Pauw, in his " Diatribe de alea veterum," p. 57, and the author of
the " Vannus Critica," p. 270, had a long controversy concerning the
meaning of UUHSO; as a game. See Wesseling's edition of Herodotus.
D. H.
In an ancient painting found at Resina, 1746, copied from the
antiquities of Herculaneum, in your vol. xlvii., p. 216, no explanation
is given by you- of the game at which two of the ladies are playing.
It is the Pentalitha, which Pollux describes as being played with five
stones or bones laid on the palm of the hand, which, by a sudden
turn of the hand, were to be caught on the back of it It resembles
our cup and ball.
* Mem. de 1'Acad. de Belles Lettres, I Hist., p. 123.
t Clavis Ciceroniana, in voco.
+ Hist. Aug. Script., vol. ii., p. 740.
§ Anthologfa Latina, vol. i., p. 519.
II iibi sup. If Ue Sestert, p. 234.
250 Games.
Golf.
[1837, Part II., pp. 472, 473.]
About the commencement of the seventeenth century, was very
fashionable and much practised in this kingdom, a game denominated
goff, or golph, played with a ball hard-wadded or stuffed with feathers,
and a wooden bat ; hence probably its name from the Swedish or
German half, stuffed. It resembles the Roman pastime called cam-
bucca or paganica, from the Latin word camurus, crooked, the form of
the bat or striker with which it was played ; or pagits, a village, the
country being best fitted for the exercise of this rustic amusement.
The same game is still practised — though with this difference from
the original sport, (which consisted in driving the ball, at the fewest
number of strikes, into a certain number of holes,) in shoving it
between two opposite extremities, marked out by lines, by the con-
tending parties — in several of the northern counties, under the names
of bandy, hoky, from bandy, bent, hoky, hooked, from the forms of
the bats still in use. In Cumberland this pastime is denominated
scabshew, or scobsJiew, apparently derived from a similar root in German
scfwb, the imperfect of schuben, to slime, denoting the manner in which
the ball is urged along by the curved bat ; or schob, -wad, signifying
the method in which the ball was originally stuffed to increase its
hardness, and schau, a spectacle.
Cat and catstick, implements of a juvenile game, which is still in
use in several of the northern counties, particularly the cat, are thus
described by Strutt \Sports and Pastimes, p. 86] :
"The Cat is about six inches in length, and an inch or an inch and a half in
diameter, and diminished from the middle to each end in the manner of a double
cone : by this curious contrivance the places of trap and ball are at once supplied ;
for when the cat is laid upon a stone, or the ground, the player with his cudgel or
catstick strikes it smartly, it matters not at which end, and it will rise with a rota-
tory motion, high enough for him to beat it away as it falls, in the same manner
as he would do a ball."
The difficulty in explaining the name of. this youthful amusement
seems to consist in the word cat. How came the name of this
domestic animal to be applied to signify an instrument of play formed
by the junction of two similar cones ? May not the name very pro-
bably have been adopted from a peculiar aptitude in that animal always
to fall on its feet, in whatever direction it be thrown, or voluntarily pro-
jects itself? This must necessarily be the case with the implement called
the cat, which must invariably settle in a position proper for another
percussion. This hypothesis may, perhaps, be still further confirmed
by the name tripet, or trivet, applied to this pastime in the north of
England, which also signifies a cat. A tripod, or double trivet having
six feet, and consequently always resting in the same position, and
Bear-baiting. 251
used for several domestic purposes, in the northern parts of this
kingdom, is also called a cat.
Several other figurative expressions may, perhaps, also derive their
origin from different habits of this amusing inmate of almost every
family.
Yours, etc., OMICRON.
Bear-baiting.
. [1789, Part I., p. 82.]
A young bear was baited on the ice, opposite to Redriff, which drew
multitudes together, and fortunately no accident happened to interrupt
their sport.
[1806, Part /., /. 473.]
Tuesday, May 27.— This day, at a bear-baiting in Tothill-fields, one
of the bears having broke loose, fastened upon a person of the name
of Shawe, whom he tore very much with his paws, and would have
destroyed him, but for the assistance of the people.
Closing.
[1*14, Part I., pp. 32, 33.]
In your last Volume, Part II., p. 308, is given, from a book printed in
1599, " A Licence for a Man to kepe on his Cappe." [See Note 68.1
The same/arm of licence occurs in a volume in my possession, printed
by Tottell in 1576, intituled, "A Booke of Presidens exactly wrytten
in Maner of a Register, newlye corrected, with addicions of diuers
necessary Presidents, meete for al suche as desire to learn the Fourme
and Maner howe to make al maner of Euidences and Instrumentes,
as in the Table of this Booke more playnlye appeareth." The person
licensed is designated by the same initials [T. M.], and the date is the
same [aoth May, in the $6th year of our Reign] ; but the spelling is
more antient, and there is a slight transposition of the words. I take
it for granted, by this form of Licence being inserted in this ' Book
of Presidents," that it was a licence in common use, and not specially
granted to any favourite or sect. But the reason of my thus address-
ing you is not to make comments on the above instrument ; but to ask
any of your Correspondents, skilled in the games and sports of our
ancestors, what they understand by the "Game of Closing," for I am
at a loss to know the import of a Royal License to use that game,
which is contained in Tottell's Book, p. 121, in these words :
" A Licence to use the Game of Closing.
" Henry the Kight, etc. To the Maior, Sliirifles, and Aldermen of our City
of Londo' y< now be, and y< hcrealter for y« time shal be, and to al other our
252 Games,
officers, ministers, and subjects, these our Letters hearing or seeing, greeting. We
let you wit y' wee of our special grace haue lice'ced, and by these presents do
lice'ce our wel-beloued R. P. and hys deputy or assignes, to kepe in any place
w'in cure City of Londo' and ye suburbs of the same fro' henceforth from time
to time during his life onely for Ale and Sere, and no Money, ye game of Closing,
for ye disporte and recreatio' of honest p'so's resorting thither, all manor pre'tices
and vacabo'ds only except, without any damage, penalty, da'ger, losse, or for-
feiture to ensue, cither of the said R., his said deputy or assigne, or to the said
p'sons, or any of the" in this behalfe. Any Act, Statut, or Ordinance heretofore
had or made to y« contrary hereof notw'sta'ding. Wherefore we wil and co'mau'd
you and euerye of you to p'mit and suffer the said A'., his said deputy or assigne,
to use and enjoy the whole effecte of this our licence, without any your let or in-
terruption, as ye tender our pleasure, and wil auoide the contrary. — Given, etc."
Yours, etc. JOHN HOLMES.
P.S. It came across my thoughts, at first, that wrestling might be
meant by the game of closing; but I have since abandoned the notion,
for the language of the Licence does not support it ; and that
science was confined to the lowest orders of society, and was certainly
practised without waiting for permission from the governing powers.
J. H.
[1814, Part I., pp. 127, 128.]
Since my letter to you of Nov. 3 was written in which I transcribed
from a " Booke of Presidens," printed by Tottell in 1576, a Royal
Licence to use the Game of Closing, and requested an explanation ;
I have received an intimation from an ingenious Correspondent
of yours (to whom I had mentioned the Licence), that Dr. Cowell
(edit 1658) says, "Closhe is an unlawful game forbidden by the
Statute 17 Edw. IV., which is casting a bowl at nine pinnes of
wood, or nine shank-bones of an ox or horse ;" and he supposes that
Closhe (so described) and the Game of Closing were the same.
I do not absolutely reject this supposition, but I am free to say that
I do not admit it absolutely, for the reasons I will now give, and shall
therefore thankfully receive further hints upon the subject.
Dr. CowelFs Book is not in my possession, but I have Manly's
NOMO0ETH2 (1672), which is an enlargement of his work, in which
Clash is thus explained [it is identical with Cowell's explanation] :
"An unlawful Game forbidden by the Statute made 17 Edw. IV. cap. 3 ; and
it is inhibited also by the Statute of 33 Hen. VIII. cap. 9 ; but there it is more
properly called Clash, for it is the throwing of a bowl at nine pins of wood, or
nine shanke bones of an oxe or horse, and it is NOW ordinarily called kailes or
nine pins."
On referring to the Statute of 1 7 Edw. IV. cap. 3, I find the enact-
ment against unlawful games in these words :
" Nostre Seignur le Roy del advys des Seignurs espirituelx et temporelx et
Communes en le dit Parlement assemblees et |>er auctorite ciicelle, ad ordeigne
qe a la Feste de Pasqe proschein veignaunt nulle persone occupiour ou governuur
Closing. 253
dascun meason tenement jardin ou autre lieu deinz cest Roialme voluntierment
soeffre ascun person doccupier ou jeuer ascuns des ditz /euez [the Games had been
mentioned in the Recital] appelles clos/ie, keylfs, half-bowle handyn et handoute,
ou queke horde, ou ascnn de eux, deinz ascuns de lour suisdiU measons, etc., etc.,
stir lapeyne," etc., etc.
I find the Game of Keyles prohibited both by Stat. 12 Rich,..!!, cap.
6, and 1 1 Hea IV. cap. 4, with other games ; but Closhe is not. named
in either of them.
By the Statute 33 Hen. VIII. cap. 9, sect u, no person shall, for
gain, lucre, or living, keep, etc any common house, alley, or place of
bowling, coyting, CLOYSCH-CAYLS, half-bowl tennis, etc. And by the
same Act, sect 16, no manner of artificer, etc., shall play at tables,
tennis, dice, cards, bowls, clash, coyting, legating, etc.
Now, though Closhe and Keyles stand in the Act of the 1 7 Edw. IV.
as it were contra-distinguished; and in 12 Rich. II. and n Hen. IV.
Keyles alone is mentioned ; yet, giving credit to the expression in the
more modern Statute of 33 Hen. VIII., by which they are compounded
into one game, there called Cloysh-cayls, I am willing to allow that both
may now be fairly interpreted to mean the game of Nine-pins. But it
by no means follows that the game of Closing must be the same For
the name Keyles having clearly obtained the ascendency (and was the
popular name from 1477 to 1541), how comes it, that a licence for
the game of Nine-pins (if so it was) in 1576, should be given by a new
name " Closing" and not by either of the old names Closhe or Clash,
but more especially by its then acknowledged and ordinary name of
Kailes, which it had retained down to Manley's time in 1673 ?
Yours, etc. J. H.
Curling.
[1787, Part II., p. 1088.]
Your correspondent H. D., p. 470, who amuses himself with criti-
cising some expressions of Mr. Teinple, the editor of a new and
improved edition of " Crawford's History of Renfrewshire," will find
that curling on the ice was a particular mode of taking exercise or
amusement on it, of which Mr. Pennant gives the following account :
" Of the sports of these parts (Eskdale) that of curling is a favourite, and one
unknown in England. It is an amusement of the winter, and played on the ice,
by sliding from one mark to another great stones of 40 to 70 lb. weight, of a
hemispherical form, with an iron or wooden handle at top. The object of the
player is, to lay his stone as near the mark as possible, to guard that of his partner,
which had been well laid before, or to strike off that of his antagonist." — " Voyage
to the Hebrides," p. Si.
[1787, Part II., p. 1165.]
Your correspondent H. D. produces p. 470 as a specimen of Mr.
Temple's language " curling on the ice " for " sliding on it."
254 Games.
Be pleased to inform him that by curling is not meant sliding, but
a game which I have frequently seen in Scotland, which is played in
the following manner :
The match being made, a small circle is drawn on the ice, from
which circle the curlers stand at a considerable distance ; each man
is provided with a curling-stone, which is a very large hemispherical
stone with an iron handle fixed in it, by which handle the stone is
launched, and slides on its flat bottom rapidly along the ice. Each
party usually consists of six or seven, or more, men ; one man of a
party having played, a man of the other party plays next, and so on
alternately as at bowls. When all the stones are launched, the four
stones which lie nearest to the goal, or circle on the ice, are appro-
priated, and the party to which they respectively belong reckons one
for each stone. The party which first gains twenty wins the game.
While a stone is running, a man of the opposite party runs along on
the ice, before or beside it, armed with a besom ; and if the stone
seems to move so rapidly as to be likely to overshoot the mark, he
sweeps away every bit of snow or dirt, or other impediment which
lies in the way, that his adversary's stone may be the more likely to
exceed the goal ; if, on the contrary, it seems to move too slow, he
suffers every obstacle to remain, that it may fall short of the mark.
At this manly and active exercise, the youths of one parish some-
times contend against those of another for a treat. I have often
joined in the game on the Clyde by Bothwell brig, near Hamilton.
Fox in the Hole.
[1848, Part II., N.S., ff. 147, 148.]
I know not whether any description of the game called " Fox in
the Hole " has been given since the publication of Nares's Glossary,
the compiler of which declares his inability to furnish one ; if not, the
following extracts from old dictionaries may be interesting to some of
your readers. I am, etc.
J. E. MAYOR.
Goxildman, London, MDCLXIV. — " Ascoliasmus, Empusae ludus : a kind of
play wherein boys lift up one leg and hop with the other, where they beat one
another with bladders tied to the end of strings. Fox, to thy hole."
Holyoke, MDCLXXVII. — " Empusa, Trapa TO iri iroSi^ttr, quod uno incedat
pede. Hence empusam agere is used for a play, hopping on one leg ; with us,
'Fox to his hole.' "
Id. — " Ascoliasmus : a kind of play that children use when they hop on one
leg, called ' Fox to thy hole.' "
Cambridge, Diet. MDCXCIII. — "Ascol: a kind of play wherein boys, hop-
ping on one leg, beat one another with gloves or pieces of leather, and is called
' Fox to thy hole.'"
Coles, 7th Ed. 1711. — "Ascol.: the play called 'Fox to the hole.' — Empus.
Ludus Empusse : ' Scotch hoppers, or Fox in the hole.' "
Fox in the hole. 255
We find that Nares's only quotation is from Herrick's " Hes-
perides," where this game is twice mentioned (pp. 146, 271) in the
same terms :
" Of Christina? sports, the wassell boule
That's tost up after Fox i' th1 hole."
Perhaps some of our correspondents can supply other passages.
Dominoes.
[1852, Fart /.,/. 218.]
A question which was recently mooted in the Court of Queen's
Bench with respect to the use of dominoes at public-houses, intro-
duced the names of several old games now obsolete, reminding one
of the continual change ever in progress in that, as well as other
popular habits and customs. The matter seems to be worth an
historical note. Mr. Archbold moved for a certiorari to remove the
conviction of one Ashton, a publican, for suffering the " unlawful
game of dominoes" to be played in his house. The simple question
was whether the game of dominoes was an unlawful game. The
33rd of Henry VIII., c. 9, enacted that no person should for gain
keep any house or place of bowling, coyting, cloysh-cayls, half-bowl,
tennis, dicing-table, or carding, or any other game prohibited by any
estatute theretofore made, or any new unlawful game invented or to
be invented ; and the 8th and 9th Victoria, c. 209, repealed the pro-
hibition of games of mere skill, contained in the 33rd Henry VIII.,
such as " bowling, coyting, cloysh-cayls, half-bowl, tennis, or the like,"
leaving games of chance still under the prohibition. The game of
dominoes was not mentioned in the statute of Henry VIII., and it
was not an unlawful game at common law. Lord Campbell said he
thought dominoes was a game of chance as well as skill ; much
depended on the hand you got. In this respect it was like the game
of whist. A rule nisi was granted. Among more athletic games,
the most popular before the use of cricket was certainly bowls. Our
great-grandfathers went to great expense in their bowling-greens,
which in many places are still remaining, and occasionally lead to
absurd misapprehensions among modern inquirers into earthworks.
Skittles.
[1796, Part il., p. 631.]
The antiquity of skittle-playing is shown plainly in the following
extract from the "Gentleman's Journal," printed in 410., 1691, 1692,
1693, and, I believe, continued after:
'• Upon the taking down of an old hall, near Rihchester, in Lancashire, was
found, in a part of it, a window of twelve feet square, the frame of which had
been formerly a skittle-frame. It was made of oak, and jointed together very
strong ; with the general rules to be observed cut upon it, and which were per-
256 Games.
fectly legible, giving the laws of the game. Each side of ihe frame was nine
inches broad, with inclinations of 50, 60, 70, 80 degrees respectively ; upon the
upper edge of the frame were 61 holes, in two rows, one of which had a blank of
six after 40, with these lines round the frame :
" ' Bowie stronge, hitt tlie frame without, and misse the same within ;
The king, two lordes, with their attendants, the game will brine.
A.D. 1486.'""
From this inscription it is shown of what great antiquity the game
must be ; and how much of it remains now is evident, since we have
little left more than the shadow. In Mill's Night Search, old Poetry,
i2mo., 1640, is an allusion to this game.
H. LEMOINE.
Top-Castle.
[1818, Part II., pp. 421, 422.]
Allow me to throw a little light on a passage in Ovid, describing
an ancient game, overlooked by the sapient sire of Martinus Scriblerus,
and unexplained (I believe) by any of the poet's commentators. In-
deed, it would not have been easy for them to form any idea of its
nature from the text of Ovid alone, in which it is but slightly and
transiently noticed ; though it is at once perfectly intelligible to any
person who has seen a game, known in Ireland by the name of " Top-
Castle" which appears to be the very identical game described by the
poet, as it exactly answers to and explains his brief description, viz. :
" Parva sedet ternis instructa tabella lapillis,
In qua vicisse est, continuasse suos."
Trist. ii. 481.
With respect to ternis lapillis, I hardly need to remind the classical
reader, that, although Bini, Terni, Qttaterni, and other such dis-
tributive numbers (if I may so call them) are often used by the poets
instead of the cardinals; yet, in strict propriety, they signify "two by
two" — " three by three" etc — or "two on each side" — "two to each"
etc., as we see them correctly used in numberless instances by Livy,
ex. gr. Binte consulibus legiones decretal — "two to each" — Vicenos
[denarios] militibus divisit — " twenty to each man " — and in Horace :
" Ssepe tribus lectis videas coenare quaternos " —
"Four upon each sofa." [Serm. lib. i. 4, 86.]
Thus understood, the terni . lapilli will (as in the Irish game) be
three counters (or men) on each side, i.e. three for each of the ftvo players,
as Ovid himself has elsewhere more clearly expressed it, viz. :
" Parva tabella capit ternos utrimque lapillos,
In qua vicisse est, continuasse suos."
Art. Am. iii. 365.
* Gentleman's Journal, 1693, p. 21. [This journal was continued until
November 1694, when it stopped. The British Museum copies are all imperfect.]
Top-castle.
257
and the winner, in the modern as in the ancient game, is he who has
so manoeuvred, as to bring his three men into a continuous row —
continuasse suos.
I would here close my remarks, as having said abundantly sufficient
on so trifling a subject : but, as some of your readers may perhaps
have a further curiosity to know how the game was (or, at least, nmu
is) played and won, I will devote a few more lines to their gratification.
The subjoined figure being described on a board, and presenting
nine points of contact at the meeting of the lines (here marked by
the letters A, B, C, etc.)
BCD
E
H
G
«..^ L,.^ ,,.ayers (whom we will call Black and White) having, each
three men — one of them (say, Mr. Black) places one of his men on
any one of the nine points that he chooses — the central point, in
preference, as the most safe and advantageous — and, perhaps for that
reason, called the Castle. — Then IVhite stations one of his men on
any other point — then Black another, and White another, alternately,
until the six men are all posted.
Next follows the moving of the men, which may take place in any
direction, along any of the lines, from the point where a man happens
to stand, to any neighbouring point that is unoccupied ; as, from A,
to any of the surrounding points — from any of these, to A — from B,
to C or I — from I, to B or H — and so in other cases — the moves
being alternate, and continuing until one of the players contrive
(continuasse suos) to bring his three men into a line, running through
the* central point, as B, A, F — I, A, E, etc, which decides the game
in his favour.
I now conclude — not without an apprehension that some of your
readers will exclaim, with Martial :
"Turpe est difficiles habere nugas ;
Et stultus labor cst ineptiarum." [Epig. ii. 86.]
However that may be,
I am, Mr. Urban,
Yours, etc.,
JOHN CAREY.
P.S. — I have just now recollected a passage in Livy (38, i) which
17
258 Games.
so distinctly indicates the proper .use and import of what I have above
termed distributive numbers, that (independently of the game in
question) it appears worthy of quotation, as furnishing arithmetical
proof of the real value of those numbers. — It is (with the omission of
unnecessary intermediate words) as follows — " Quatuor hi senos sibi
adjutores assumserunt : deinde parem priori numerum adjecerunt : ita
duo et
Whipping the Cat.
{1807, Part II., pp. 1192, 1193.]
Passing through the village of Albrighton in Shropshire some years
ago, rrty attention was directed to the sign of the Cat, as a thing out
of the common way. It represented a man whipping a cat, and the
poor persecuted animal in the act of turning back her head, and
grinning in the face of her tormentor. Underneath were these lines :
" The finest pastime that is under the sun,
Is whipping the Cat at Albrighton."
I enquired whether it was a thing of any standing in the place, and
was told that Albrighton had been celebrated for her Cat time out of
mind, it being one of her most distinguishing features. As I can see
no great diversion in the mere whipping of a cat, but a deal of cruelty
and wantonness, I am unwilling to take it in its mere literal sense,
but think there is more in it than meets the eye. We find many
instances detailed in your valuable miscellany of the original meaning
of signs being perverted by the blunders of rural artists, or the simi-
larity of sound in words. Perhaps this may allude to some ancient
sport, or pastime, now become obsolete ; or it may be a figurative
enigma, which some of your ingenious readers may have the penetra-
tion to explain. I observe that the Rev. James Hall, in his travels
in Scotland, mentions an annual custom that prevails in the city of
St Andrew's, of inclosing a cat in an empty cask, and suspending it
upon a kind of gallows, while the equestrian performers endeavour to
knock the head out, and force her to jump among the populace
below, where -she is thrown about by her tail till she expires. This is
called a Cat Race; and I hope, for the honour of Shropshire, the
Albrighton sign alludes to no such practice. The literal term of
Whipping the Cat seems to be familiar in France ; for a Monsieur de
Bois, in the Magazin Encyclopedique, describing some whimsical
marriage-ceremonies in* one of the Provinces, tells us, that they con-
clude the festivities with a dance, called Whipping the Cat.
Now I am on the subject of signs, I will mention a well-accustomed
and commodious inn, between Kidderminster and Wolverhampton,
known by the name of the Stew Poiiey. What could have been the
origin of this designation ? It defies every conjecture of mine ; nor
Whipping the Cat. 259
does any information I could obtain in the neighbourhood furnish a
clue to unravel the mystery. I must therefore beg the assistance of
some of your correspondents, who possess more exuberance of fancy,
and are better skilled in the interpretation of signs than myself.
[Signs will form a section of vol. ii. of this series.]
Yours, etc., P. W.
[1808, Part I., pp. 411, 412.]
The sign of Whipping the Cat at Albrighton in Shropshire I
think sufficiently explained by the following extract from Grose's
Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, which I did not notice
till lately : — " Whipping the Cat, a trick often practised on ignorant
country fellows, vain of their strength, by laying a wager with them
that they may be pulled through a pond by a cat ; the bet being
made, a rope is fixed round the waist of the party to be catted, and
the cord thrown across the pond, to which the cat is also fastened
by a packthread, and three or four sturdy fellows are appointed to
lead and whip the cat ; these, on a signal given, seize the end of the
cord, and pretending to whip the cat, haul the astonished booby
through the water."
Beechen Roundels.
[1793, Part I., f. 398.]
I here send you a fac simile drawing of one of the ten flat
roundels, made of very thin pieces of beech-wood, which exactly fill
an old round box in the possession of Charles Chad wick, Esq., of
Mavesyn-Ridware, in Staffordshire. There is a couplet of rhymes in
the centre of each, which I have copied faithfully. The ornaments
of all are a good deal similar ; and, by the form of the letters, and
the style, perhaps they may be thought to be as old as the time of
Henry VII. or VIII. I hope some of your correspondents will tell
us their use, and whether we are to rank them in the same class of
amusements with our modern conversation-cards.
Yours, etc. THO. BARRITT.
1. 3 loom,™ tf),it no foilfull id a plage of the luorst,
3d goott h>br in hell ad hull) a touffe that ii rurstr.
2. liltttrs art moslt Unillu loijcrt lurnun habe hinttto,
SnS turtisldi? romcti)e upon tijem bu {fitted.
3. In frtnttd tijet t>d flatten? in nun luttell tnidt
JTI)outjI)r fame tljni profited thej> be offten unjudte.
4. &ooV fortune &ott gentle you I toare laur my heafir,
j)ou Hull holtic toil!) lie Ijonit iff eber none lurilJ.
5. Cene potintt to a puoiincje lnl)tn«oebere i>ou man»,
f)ou totll repmte pee tljat do longe jjou toil) tatrjie.
17-2
260 Games.
6. U.ll)ci-r<Sorbn- tljoti trabrlrsstt Critt Wltitt Jloi UK or £outi)r,
Urarnr neber to loohc a geben l)ovS3t in tljc motljc.
7. UlniSsbomc fcothe iu.inu ti)r in mann a place
Co tiudte no jfucht flatttrts ait toill jere in ti)p fact.
8. & tottiootoe tliatt its luanton, luttl) a running i)eatt,
tOs a tnbrll in tl)c HiHtrljnu, anti an ape in her broot.
9. JJnhc outr a sljvolut tljnt toill gcarbe j?ou a d)ots$r
111 it I) a rcaU hraoe a dljnrpe noitt anB a grille bcmrc.
10. Cfyotitfe outt a mate tlj.it toill gearbe nou a d)o<3St, *
Zllttl) a rtor IjraUc a gljarpt noddt antt a ifytill bonce.
[1793, /•«/•/ //., pp. 1187-1189.]
Perhaps it will afford satisfaction to some of your readers when
they are informed that, years ago, I saw several circular beechen
plates, much of the same kind as the roundels (which, I presume, is
a local appellation) mentioned in p. 398. They had been then lately
found, walled-up, in a farm-house, which has been a religious house, at
St. Leonard's, in this town [Bedford]. I think there were more than
ten of them, but will not be positive as to the number. Some of them
were finely painted and gilt; and these had each some religious sentence
on them, and verses, if I remember right, not very fit to accompany
it. I do not recollect that they had, like the Staffordshire, human
figures on them. They were larger considerably than that which you
have figured in your Magazine, but the letters much the same : some
of them were plain beech, without letters, paint, or other ornament
They were thought to have been used for diversion as some game.
I understand they were all sent hence soon after they were found.
Should the present possessor (who the gentleman is I know not) of
the beechen plates under consideration, on seeing this letter, think
proper, through your means, to give a more particular account of
them, it may prove an acquisition to the antiquary ; and, at the same
time, any mistake I may, from length of time (perhaps now 15 years
ago) have made respecting them, may be set right. The gentleman
who had them first, left them for Major Grose at his lodgings at Mr.
Hooper's, but never had an opportunity of seeing the Major after-
ward, neither has he heard from anyone concerning them since the
Major's death.
Mr. Drew, of this place, stone-mason, has ten somewhat similar
flat circular beechen plates to those just mentioned, in a round box
(painted after too rude and insignificant a manner to deserve a de-
scription of it). These plates seem designed, like the others, for
some game. Mr. Drew had them from Lincolnshire, but they came
originally from Staffordshire, where the person he had them from said
they really were played with as a game, but in what manner he cannot
tell. They consist of prints coloured, and pasted on the beech wood,
which is plain on one side ; that lying before me has a rural land-
Beechen Roundels. 261
scape, and the figures of two women surrounded with baskets of
various kinds of fruits, and the following verses, written round the
margin in small Roman letters :
" Feed and be fatt, heere's painted peares and plumbs,
Will never hurte your teethe or spoyle your gums ;
And I wishe those girls that painted are
No other foode than such fine painted fare."
I have selected this plate as one without improper levity ; some of
them disgust through the lowness of style.
I add verses from another plate, which represents persons playing
at dice, and some of them dressed in grotesque masquerade, because
these circumstances, I think, seem to point out the game as one more
particularly in vogue about Christmas time :
" Disguised thus at Candlemas we come ;
With gamliolts, dice, and cards, we masque and mumm ;
Some loseth all, and some the money purses ;
Some laugh outright, whilst others sweares and curses."
Each of the ten plates has one of the signs of the Zodiac on it ;
and twelve plates would fill the box so as just to admit of its shutting.
Hence I conclude there were twelve of them when complete.
As an antient game I have thus expatiated on the plates, and on
that account only ; for, in point of composition, some of them are
worse than trivial
Hoping in time that some correspondent may tell us the precise
antiquity, name, and manner, of the game of both sets of plates,
I am, yours, etc. M.
I send you a drawing of a round piece of Beech-wood, like that
described by Mr. Barrett. It formerly belonged to Mr. Ives, the
Yarmouth antiquary, who has written upon one side, which is quite
plain, "a trencher for cheese or sweetmeats, used about the time
of James I." I do not acquiesce in this explanation, being of
opinion with Mr. Barrett, that these pieces of wood were either con-
versation, or, what is yet more probable, fortune-telling cards. From
the character of the writing and orthography, they are certainly older
than the time of James I., and seem to have been made about the
reign of Henry VIII. The lines are :
" To spende over muche be nott to bolde,
Abate rather somexvliatt yi housholde ;
For of thy landes tiothe fare and nere,
To the stnale frutes will come this yere."
S. F,
262 Games.
In your Magazine for May, 1793, some of your correspondents
are requested to explain the use of ten flat roundels, now in pos-
session of Charles Chad wick, esq., having each an ancient distich
thereon, etc. I flatter myself that I can comply with this request.
Near forty years ago I paid a visit to the old lady Viscountess
Longueville (grandmother of the present Earl of Sussex), at her
seat at Brandon, three miles from Coventry. After dinner, for the
amusement of some young company present, this good old lady
ordered her waiting gentlewoman to bring forth the LOTS, who pro-
duced about a dozen such roundels as Mr. Chad wick's, which she
held spread out in the manner of cards, with their backs towards
the company, each of whom drew one. And great diversion was
excited by the satirical distich which accidentally occurred on the lot
of each, as being supposed to be descriptive either of the character
or of the matrimonial choice of the person who drew the same. Her
ladyship then told me, that these had anciently belonged to the nuns
of Lacocke, in Wiltshire, and had been handed down, from the time
of the dissolution, along with the nunnery itself, which had belonged
to her father, Sir John Talbot, of Lacocke, knight, and is still pos-
sessed by the descendants of Lady Longueville's sister, who assumed
the name of Talbots ; as the LOTS themselves are probably by her
grandson and heir, the Earl of Sussex. This good lady, who remem-
bered the court of Charles II., died in 1763, aged near 100, and
retained her faculties to the last. Yours, etc,
T*P*
[1794, Part /., pp. 407-409.]
Much having been said lately in your Magazine on the subject of
Roundels ; and, after all that has been said, much being yet required
to give a satisfactory explanation of their use and application, permit
me to mention some that nearly correspond with the description in
your plate, with regard to the size of the boards, the orthography of
the words, and the form of the letters, but differ from any you have
yet noticed in the subject of the inscribed verses.
They were, when I saw them, in the possession of the Rev. Mr.
Adamson, of Chapel le Dale, in this neighbourhood. They were
eight in number, beechen plates, exactly five inches in diameter ; the
whole five-eighths of an inch in thickness, and inclosed in a round
strong plane-tree box, neatly fitting, and have just room for other
four, which he supposed to have been lost A marginal gilt circle
incloses a curious group of figures, in gold, red, yellow, black, white,
blue, and green colours ; such as hearts, true lovers' knots, crescents,
wheels, dots, butterflies, caterpillars, fishes, leaves, roses, and other
flowers, not quite so easily named, diversely expressed on the different
roundels.
These figures, like another i>rimum mobile, surround another gilt
Bcechen Roundels. 263
circle in the centre, which contains the distich. The verses I had
the curiosity to transcribe, in hopes of meeting with, what I never yet
have, a satisfactory explanation of their use, which are as follows : the
initial letter in each line a vermilion capital, somewhat the worse for
wear, and all the rest a beautiful, clear, legible black.
1. Ci)p foots! mutdu grirlYr to UK Ijalir iurotifjljtc :
3niJ thp obstruction l).ibr tl)t» s'oujhtr :
2. ?ir tt tufsDomr nilr turll all tljr lu.iits :
3no ittt thp mpn&t tbp lortt to pltaSt :
3. <Tl)i> lobr tlfat t'ijou to one l),is tr Irntt :
tfn labor lo-m tbp tpmt toasf sprnt :
4. Crust c nott tl)ts luorlfct tljou luoorftil luicjljtc :
Uiitt Ittt tlipr tnttt bt in th.pt sujl)U :
5. in &obltt trcalJc ronnt totll tt)p r.ut :
!3nt> from ti)t poort tonu not tljp fire :
6. if! i> souur off pnOr loohr tljon btluart :
Co'darbt tbt loror tfttt all tlji/r (are :
7. Ci)p fj.iutit mpuUc Hothc ratt^t tl)t dmartt :
3ni maUrs! tl)f Olt<ipt lui'tl) cartfull ijartt :
8. Clip noutbt tit folltt tljon l),ifitr dptntt :
Drf'trr nott nuluc for to rtptnt.
Whilst the light and cursory readers of your excellent Miscellany
will deride the subject of this essay, and think already too much ado
has been made about nothing, I beg leave to think differently, and
join the respectable corps of Antiquaries, in asserting that the pains
in investigating even the nugatory amusements of our ancestors, tend-
ing to develop their manners and customs, subservient to elucidate
the page of history, are truly praiseworthy. To this purpose I en-
quired of the possessor of these roundels to know something of their
history ; but could only learn as follows. They came into his pos-
session from his father, whom, as they often incited his curiosity, he
had frequently interrogated respecting their origin and use ; and could
only gather, that he apprehended them to be some antient amuse-
ment, and that they came into the family with his grandmother, a
Miss Arthington, of Arthington, in the county of York. I believe,
Mr. Urban, they have been the vehicle of entertainment, in the days
of yore, to the immured ladies of the convent ; perhaps to contribute
to the amusement of their confessors, or other occasional male visitors
en parleur ; and a very excellent collection they contain of adages,
moral and religious, which proves them to be of a very different
squad from some which your correspondents have introduced, which
seem to savour no little of levity and impurity.*
* Your correspondent M., vol. Ixiii., p. 1188 [ante p. 260], says of what he saw,
"In point of composition, some of them are worse than trivial." Mr. Ives's sup-
position, of their being "trenchers for cheese or sweetmeats," is a truly ridiculous
264 Games.
The Arthingtons are a very ancient family, upon historic record
from the time of William the Norman, and founded a nunnery at
Arthington, the name of which is yet preferred, by being annexed to
a farm-house at a little distance from the hall. The impression of
the conventual seal of the nounrif, " SICILLUM SANCIVE MARINE DE
ARTHINGTONA," is yet preserved by Mr. Thoresby, in his Ducatus
Leodcnsis; and probably these nugte antiquce came into the family
temp. Henry VIII., upon the suppression of monasteries.
P. P.
Seeing in some of your late Magazines several letters respecting a
sort of painted roundels, supposed to have been used for some kind
of game, I was induced to search for a box containing a dozen of
them, which had been thrown by amongst a heap of useless things, no
person who had seen them having been able to give any certain in-
formation as to their use. How long they have been in my family, I
cannot trace ; certainly, a great many years : from the form of the
characters round their margin, they should seem to be very old,
much older, indeed, the orthography appears, which I have tran-
scribed exactly, as well as the mottoes or distich, which you will per-
ceive have a relation to the flowers, etc., painted in the centre of each
roundel. They are as follows :
1. HONEY-SUCKLE, {loison anb honp from mjo stock* procecbcs,
TTIu bee anb apgbcr of me suchra anb fccbcs.
2. PEA. {kastofcs are restovatitoc, ;tnb harblg founbc,
aSllirn for ... ,f some toimcn gibe a you nit.
3. ROSE. Orslccmc of me as one in toorth that stanbes,
.Sbjectes can £ gibe son, anb toater for j>our hanbs.
4. MARYOOLD. /ttjj leabes boe hiclcomt forth the sonnc, anb shutics
them at his fall,
31 Uuif c of snch a pmpn tic in thriftc excccbs ium all.
5. CARNATION. 2U snotoe anb bloobe tojtthtr toomcn toeare,
oSci states nui stnvjits toithin iiui nniatiis hearc.
6. STRAWHEKRY. ^nb if llu; fortune be abbanccb lihr mime,
Often lluui sianst tin; mjistris liipvca'bctfcuccnc.
7. CHERRY. <#or banntes I am serbeb to make onr gestcs sit inerpe,
,#or chc'rries oat of season in season hters a charie.
8. HEARTSEASE. ^othinge on earth tan better pleas*
•than a fajjer bjjjfe anb hartes case.
9. LILY. ^Hj> roote stotett orris, tnj) to^pc a purgle bge ;
Jirinces ritche bames esice'mc mg toilers hie.'
8. SWEET-BRIER. IJcface me not, nor toith bisgraee boc sticltc me,
^Chough E am stocete, trgcvs habe potocr to priclt gee.
f Here is a small chasm, so indelicate that it is not worth supplying.
idea. He had no notion of their origin or use. I am sorry to differ from S. E. in
the same page, in supposing their date about the time of Henry VIII. I appre-
hend them to be of superior antiquity, from the age of Edward IV. or Richard III.
at the lowest.
Becchen Roundels. 265
11. (A flower; but I ,-SUiectf is mt> smell, but bgtter is my taste,
know not its name.) rSuch are my giftrs as goob toorbs fa.ibhi yl.istr.
12. (Unknown.) £ taste nour tonne, anb am a rorbiall fintiu-r,
probe as too nun some hi me otocrtc anb eotocr.
If Mr. Urban thinks this worthy a place in his Magazine, I shall
feel myself well repaid for transcribing it. Yours, etc.
A. M. R.
t,
In addition to what you have given on roundels, I would transcribe
for you a set which I find in a MS. written near the beginning of the
last century, under the title of POSYES FOR TRENCHERS ; but that I
fear you will think the subject tiresome, and (which is more material)
on a second perusal I find eleven out of the twelve, though highly
witty, too closely bordering on indecency. Take, however, one that
is not exceptionable :
" «2lho bare b«ne first a precious JJeavlc
^ttitst be as great as anoe earle :
if he habe toorth, lett him not fcart,
Jetocll cannot be too beare."
[1797, Part L, pp. 281-283.]
In two volumes of your Miscellany are inserted papers descriptive
and illustrative of the circular beechen plates, called roundels ; and, by
more than one of your correspondents, a wish was expressed of farther
intelligence concerning their original, and the application of them.
Though unwilling to be thought too sanguine and peremptory on a
subject, which length of time and a change of circumstances have
rendered obscure, I am much inclined to believe that I can advance
satisfactory, I had almost said decisive, evidence of the at least primary
and principal use of these relicks of antiquity. The voucher I shall
produce is the compiler of " The Art of English Poesie ;" attributed
to Puttenham, and published by Richard Field, in 1589. He thus
begins :
" Lib. I. chap. xxx. Of short epigrames called posies. — There be also other like
epigrammes that were sent usually for new yeares giftes, or to be printed or put
upon their bankettitig dishes of sugar plate, or of March paines, and such other
dainty meates, as by the curtesie and custume every gest might carry from a
common feast home with him to his own house, and were made for the nonce ;
they were called NENIA or APOPHORETA, and never contained above one verse, or
two at the most, but the shorter the better. We call Ihemfosits, and do paint them
now a dayes upon the back sides of our fruite trenchers of wood, or use them as
devises in rings, and armes, and about such courtly purposes."
Should this transcript be perused by S. E., he may be now induced
to accede to the opinion of Mr. Ives, in preference to that of Mr.
Barritt, p. 398 ; and if by P. P., he will be convinced that the sup-
position of the Yarmouth Antiquary, of the roundels being trenchers
266 Games.
for cheese and sweetmeats, was not so ridiculous an idea as he
imagined it to be ; and the suggestion of another correspondent,
without a signature, in the same page, from a MS. of the beginning
of the last century, under the title of "Posyes for Trenchers," con-
firms the report of Puttenham of the original use of these plates :
" Feed and be fatt, heeres painted pears and plumbs
Will never hurt your teethe, or spoyle your gums."
And Cherry :
" For dayntes I am served, to make our gests sit merye,
For cherries out of season, in season heers a cherie."
Do not an implied plenty of cherries when in season, and such a
variety of flowers as here displayed, denote an improvement in garden-
ing not known in England in the early age attributed to these roundels
by A. M. R., " who, from the form of the character, adjudges them to
be very old, and indeed much older than the orthography appears " ?
Are the carnation, the marygold, and the heart's ease, to be found in
any MS. of the isth century? Mr. Harrington observes, in his paper
on the progress of gardening (" Archseolog." vii. 118), that, in the
famous Romant de la Rose, written in that century, the flowers were
violets and periwincle.
Evidence is wanting to show that roundels were, like cards and
dice, the implements of any game ; and I am apt to suspect that
Lady Longueville's use of them as lots, supposed to be descriptive of
the character, or of the matrimonial choice of the person who drew
the lot, might be an after-thought. Nor would the roundels, as I
apprehend, considered in this light, have been allowed as play-toys to
nuns, who had not a chance for a nuptial prize. On the contrary,
posies of this sort could hardly fail of exciting natural ideas and pro-
pensities that were never to be legally gratified ; and it was surely the
bounden duty of a lady abbess towards the forlorn damsels under her
jurisdiction to still
"This tumult in a vestal's vein."
The number of verses, or the staff of the posies, will in some
degree mark the date of them ; for, though it cannot be inferred
absolutely, that those which are couplets were composed before the
close of the isth century, the authority of Puttenham may warrant a
conclusion that the tetrasticks are of a later period.
In tracing the fashions of an age, the posies, if duly examined,
may likewise serve as a clue For instance ; a person who wishes
to acquire information concerning the history and progress of face-
lackering in England, from a slight tinge of rouge to the mask com-
pletely enamelled, may learn, from the two last lines of a tetrastick in
part already quoted, that the mode had gained considerable ground
when they were written ; and, for a reason above assigned, that must
Deechen Roundels. . 267
have been after the year 1589. The two verses cited are those
which terminate in plumbs and gums ; and these are the two follow-
ing lines :
" And I wishe those girls that painted are
No other foode than such fine painted fare."
Puttenham, with his versifying pen, has drawn a portrait of Queen
Elizabeth ; and as she was, in her own conceit, as beautiful as her ill-
fated rival the Queen of Scots, and as the poet was upon her majesty's
pension-list, he doubtless applied a deceitful mirror, and forbore giving
the least inuendo whether her personal charms were natural or artificial.
Take this specimen of three of them at p. 204 :
" Two lips wrought out of rubie rocke,
Like leaves to shut and to unlock.
As portall door in prince's chamber,
A golden tongue in mouth of amber.
Her bosom sleek as faris plaster
Held up two balls cA alabaster."
Who but a court-poet, whom Puttenham himself terms a cunning
prince-pleaser, could have penned a compliment so flattering?
How far the fashion of face-painting prevailed among her majesty's
female subjects, Puttenham has been sufficiently explicit For, in the
chapter intituled, "Of Ornaments Poeticall," he observes, "that if
our colours in our Art of Poesie (as well as in other mechanicall
artes) be not well tempered, or not well layd, or be used in excesse,
or never so little disordered, or misplaced, they not only give it no
maner of grace at all, but rather to disfigure the stuffe, and spill the
whole workmanship, taking away all bewtie and good liking from it,
no less than if the crimson tainte which should be laid upon a ladies lips,
or right in the center of her che'kes, should by some oversight or mishap
be applied to her forehead or chinne, it would make (ye would say) but a
very ridiculous bewty." Of the town Picts, in the year 1711, there is
an account in "The Spectator," No. 42, and in every provincial
Gazette, Chronicle, and Journal, near the end of the i8th century,
farmers' wives and daughters, and ladies' women, may read advertize-
ments, assuring them that, by the purveyor of news, they may be
regularly supplied with a choice of cosmetics.
Admitting, what I really think is hardly questionable, Puttenham's
having shown that roundels were no other than dessert-plates, it is
obvious that neat, elegant, and costly, as many of them were, they
would be carefully kept in a proper box by each notable housewife,
and only produced in the Christmas holidays, or at a family gala.
One reason for their being found in such good preservation is, that
the embellishments and posies are on the back sides of the trenchers,
and not on the obverse, the side used, which is the case with the
earthen plates ; and in those belonging to Mr. Drewe, of Bedford
268 Games.
(p. 260), the prints are coloured and pasted on the wood in the
manner described by Puttenham.
When placed upon the table, the posies of some of them were
certainly calculated to make the gests sit both merye and wise ; but, it
is undeniable that too many of the verses had a tendency to pollute
the minds of the company, and to vitiate their morals ; and, conse-
quently, they must have been offensive to the thoughtful and well-
disposed. In this respect, therefore, he must be a staunch Antiquary
who shall contend that days of yore were better than the days that
are ; no such licentious mottoes disgracing a modern dessert-plate of
English porcelain, or of the queen's ware.
Hints submitted to the consideration of those who may have an
opportunity, and be inclined, to examine roundels, of which, it should
seem, there are not a few remaining.
Is there not or date, or name, or armorial shield, upon any of the
roundels, or upon the box in which they were deposited ? Did they
not drop into disuse on the introduction of Delft ware, as Delft
dishes and plates were succeeded by true China, and true China by
English porcelain and the Wedgwood manufacture ? Do not some
of the antient household- books notice the roundels, and the prices of
them?
W. and D.
[1827, Part If., Pf. 501-504.]
From the following description of a box of wooden platters or
trenchers, curiously written and illuminated, in the possession of
Thomas Wilkins, esq., of Ringstead, Northamptonshire, by whose
kindness I am enabled to make this communication, either you or
some of your Correspondents may be able to favour me with some
light as to their use and antiquity. Whatever has been on the box-
lid, which might have given us a notion of this, is unfortunately
wholly defaced.
The box, which is of a close-grained wood, measures in exterior
diameter about 6 inches 7-ioths, and in interior diameter about
5 inches 7-ioths; and in interior depth about i inch 8-ioths. It
contains 12 round plates of wood, which just fill it, measuring about
5 inches 5-ioths in diameter, and in thickness about a tenth, or a
tenth and a half, of an inch. They are very light and flat ; or, if not
quite flat, rather convex on the upper side, which in all is very richly
ornamented. The circle of this surface is divided into three portions,
the central one whereof contains a sort of device, generally of flowers,
and underneath this a stave or four-line verse, — always relative to
marriage, and seemingly of the fortune-telling school of poetry. The
border of this, forming the next division of the whole circle, contains
among other ornaments scrolls of Scripture texts. The next or outer
border, forming the third division of the whole circle, is a fanciful
Beechen Roundels. 269
pattern. The two divisions within the second of the three concentric
circles, are differently illuminated in every plate ; but this outer border
is of only three patterns, thereby dividing the 1 2 plates into 3 classes
of 4 plates each. The illumination of this outer border in two out of
the three classes, consists of a collar as it were, something similar to
those of orders of knighthood ; and in all the three classes is done
by colours of azure and blood colour, and black laid on a ground of
gilding. The two central compartments of each plate are painted on
the polished wood for a ground, with the above colours, and green,
white, and vermilion. The capitals beginning the lines of each verse,
and also the references at the end of the Scripture texts, are in ver-
milion, the rest of the inscriptions being black.
The following are the inscriptions on the plates of one of the above
classes. On one, in the middle compartment, under a scroll, the
following legend :
• " A wyflfe that marieth husbands iii,
Was never wished therto by me ;
I wolde my wyfle sholde rather diee,
Then for my death to weppe or crye."
And in the second compartment, bordering the first, are two scrolls ;
on the one to the right of the reader, is —
" Sette an order in thy housse, for thou shall die and not live." [The reference
worn off.}
On the other scroll is —
"Deathe is better than a wretched lyffe or contenual sicknes." [Reference
morn off.\
On another plate, in the middle, under a cinquefoil flower, between
two blue strawberries, the stems twined into a kind of love-knot, is this
legend :
" Thou haste a shrowe to thy goodman,
Perhapes an onthrift to, — what than ?
Kepe hym as longe as he can lyve,
And at his ende his passeport geve."
The second compartment is a border of the above cinquefoil flower,
yellow shaded with vermilion, wreathed by a love-knotted stem, with
buds and flowers of blood colour and gold, perhaps meant for union-
roses, under the four chief of which are these texts or scrolls. Under
the top one is —
" Feare God, honor th,e Kingc."— l Pet. 2.
Under the right one is —
" Kepe the Kinge's commandementes." — Eccl. 9.
Under the bottom one, that is, between it and the middle com-
partment, is —
"Praye for Kinges and rulers." — Tim. 6.
Under the left one is —
" Feare thou the Lorde and the Kinge."
2 70 Games.
On a third, in the middle, under a plant of two quatrefoil vermilion
roses shaded with yellow, and gilded with gold, is this legend :
'• This woman maye have husbands fyve,
But never whilst she is alyve ;
Yet dothe she hoope so well to spedde ?
Geve up thy hoope, it shal not nedde."
The second compartment is of what seem to be thistles, and has
two scrolls on its outer edge ; on that to the right is —
" Golde and silver hathe ondon many a man." — Eccl, 8.
On the leftward one is —
"The rote of all evel is covetousness." — Tim. 6. (See Ep. i. 6, 10.)
On a fourth, in the lower half of the middle compartment (which
is surmounted by some plant in the upper, and is like the lower halves
of all the middle compartments, finished at the top like a scroll), are
these verses :
" If that a batcheler thou be,
Kepe the so still, — be ruled by me ;
Leaste that repentaunce all too latte
Rewarde the withe a broken pate."
The second compartment is of leaves, and either fruits, flowers, or
insects, and has the scrolls on its inner edge ; on the right one —
" A man that useth mutche sweringe shal be fylled with wickednes."
Continued on the left scroll thus —
" And the plauge shall never goo from his house." — Eccl. 32.
On one of the plates of a second class, in the middle under a plant
of love-knotted stems and hanging pods of green and gold, containing
seeds of vermilion and white, is this stave :
" Receave thy happe as fortune sendeth,
But God it is that fortune lendeth ;
Wherefore if thou a shrowe haste gott,
Thinke with thy self it is thy loott."
The second compartment is a knotted arabesque, of a red and white
pink at top and bottom, and a gold, red, and white flower at each
side and in the intervals, divided from the flowers by elongated straw-
berries are four scrolls ; on the upper one rightward :
" Have noo plesure,"
Continued on rightward thus :
" in lienge for the " . . . " usse theroffe " ..." is naught." — Eccl. 7.
On another plate, in the middle compartment, under a plant of
cinquefoiled vermilion hearts-ease-shaped flowers, touched with yellow
and seeded with gold, and hung below with strawberries, is this scroll
of verse :
" Thou art the happiest man alyve,
For every thinge doth make thee thrive ;
Yet maye thy wyfie thy maister be,
Therefore take thrilte and all for me."
Beechen Roundels. 271
The second compartment has at top and bottom a blue, gold-seeded,
and six-leaved flower, the petals slit, and touched with white and
vermilion, each flower between two heart-shaped leaves ; and on the
right and left a vermilion flower touched with yellow and seen side-
ways, that on the right between two yellow six-leaved flowers, seeded
with gold, and that on the right between two similar white flowers.
The scrolls are on the outer edge, and the rightward one has this
text:
" Ale that wit lyve Godlie in Christ Ihesu muste suffer persecution."— 2 Timo. 3.
The left has :
" We must enter into ye kingdom of (fod through mutch treble and afflyctions."
— Actes 14.
On a third, under a plant of three quatrefoil roses, vermilion seeded
with gold, and two blue strawberries seeded with white, is this scroll :
" If thou be younge then marye not yet, *
If thou be olde ihou haste more wytt ;
For younge men's wyves will not be taughte,
And olde men's wyves be good ffor naughte."
The second compartment has at top a plant of three cinquefoiled
flowers, one petal large, the rest small, white, hatched with vermilion,
and seeded with gold ; at bottom a similar plant of similar flowers,
blue hatched with white : on the right side a smaller similar plant,
but leafless, of vermilion flowers, touched with yellow, surmounted by
this scroll :
"Accuse no man prevelie." — Eccl. 5-
And on the left side a similar leafless plant of similar cinquefoils
yellow touched with red, surmounted with the text :
" Follow not the multitude to do evel." — Reg. 17.
On a fourth, under a plant of blue six-leaved flowers touched with
white, seeded with gold, and having a long pistil of black, are these
verses :
" I shrove his hart that marled me,
My wyffe and I can never agree ;
A knavish quene by Jis I swere,*
The goodmans bretche she thinkes to were."
The second compartment is a bordure having at top and at bottom
a large mixed rose of blood-colour and gold ; on the right and left
are similar small roses, and above the right one two similar ones of
vermilion touched with yellow and seeded with gold ; below it two
similar ones of yellow, touched with vermilion ; above the left hand
flower two similar ones of white, touched with vermilion, and below
* " By Gis and by Sainte Charite." liallad sung by Ophelia in Hamlet.
The Arabic numerals used throughout the Scripture references on these plates
were lillle used in Elizabeth's reign ;— Grafton, who dated his Chronicle with
them, on publishing his Manual or Abridgment thereof, found himself forced by
fashion to return lo the Koman numerals.
The 2 and j are of the very early form.
272 Games.
it two of blue, touched with white. The scrolls on the outer edge of
this compartment overhang these smaller flowers, one bearing on the
right—
"Withe oute faithe it is impossible to please God." — Hebrews II.
The other on the left having —
"A righteous man shal lyve by his faithe." — Romans 10.
On one of the plates of a third class, under a plant of three buds of
the above gold and sanguine rose, is this stanza —
" Aske thou thy wyffe if she can tell
Whether thou in mariage haste spedde well,
And let her spcake as she dothe knowe —
For twentie pounds she will saye no."
The second compartment bears at top, at bottom, and on each side,
four plants, of three quatrefoils each, all seeded with gold, those at
top being vermilion and yellow, those on the right yellow and ver-
milion, those on the bottom blue and white, and those on the right
white and vermilion ; in the four intervals are four plants of two straw-
berries, and two heart-shaped leaves. A single scroll in eight folds
forms the inner edge of this compartment On the fold at top begins
this text :
" If any man saye I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a lyar." — I John 4.
On the fold at bottom begins this —
" Every one that hateth his brother is a manslayer." — I John 3.
On another, in the middle, is emblazoned a plant of three gourds,
as it were springing from the top and sides of a true lover's knot, and
underneath these rhymes :
" And he that reades this verse even now
May happe to have a lowering sowe, —
Those lookes are nothing liked so badde,
As is her tonge to make hym madde."
In the second compartment four plants, bearing both cinquefoil
flowers and seeding cells of similar and similarly varied colours to
those above, support between them four scrolls on the inner edge of
the compartment. That on the right at top is written —
" Speake evel of no man."— Titus 3.
That below—
" Be not hastie of lounge." — Eccl. 18.
That on the left below —
" Learne before thou speake." ... 5. [The reference worn off; the words
occur in Eccl. Jesus Ben Sirach, c. 18.]
That above —
"Talke wiselie and honestlie."— Eccl. 5.
On a third. In the middle, under an oak leaf, between two acorns ;
Beechen Roundels. 273
the corns gold, shadowed sanguine ; the cups greene, touched with
white, are these lines :
" Take upp thy fortunne with good happe,
With witches thou doste fyle thy lappe ;
Yet lesse weer better for thy store,
Thy quietnes sholde be the more."
In the second compartment wreathen plants of two kinds of bell
flowers, coloured variously, supported by two scrolls, the right bearing,
" Stand faste in the waye of the Lorde." — Eccl. 5.
The left—
" Be gentel to heare the word of God."— Eccl. 5.
On a fourth plate of this class, in the middle compartment, there
is a heart, vermilion touched with yellow, grown over with green ;
whence spring two roses, white and vermilion seeded with gold, and
between these a union rose of gold and blood colour. Underneath
is this quatraine :
" Thou maist be poore, and what for that ?
How if thou hadest neither cape nor hat ?
Thy minde may yet so quiet be,
That thou maist wyne as much as iii."
The second compartment is of plants perfectly indescribable, and
has two scrolls on its outward edge, the rightward one having —
"Reatch thy hands unto the poore that God may blesse thee with plenteous-
ness." — Eccl. 7.
The left one—
" Let us doo good unto all men, but most of all unto the housholde of fait he."
— Gala. 6.
I have now described these antiquities as minutely as I could, that
if no one can answer as to their use, the appearance of them (should
they prove unique) may be in some measure preserved in your pages.
They are still fresh — some of them as much so, as I can conceive them
to have come from the maker's hands ; and they bear at first sight the
perfect air of Chinese or Indian curiosities, from their quaintness of
style and richness of colouring. If it were ascertained which of the
superseded versions of the Bible they make use of, their age might in
some measure be guessed.
Some of your Correspondents, Sir, can at least answer this question.
I cannot exactly vouch for the illuminator's accuracy, however, in all
his references, though most of them are right. That these platters were
the material for some ancient game would appear from the last quoted
rhyme : that that was a game of fortune-telling appears from others.
The handwriting seems, as far as I can judge, of the character of the
time of Queen Elizabeth at latest : as do the contractions, which if
I had copied, could only have been expressed by types founded for
the purpose, as they are very small, neat, and obsolete. That they
18
274 Games.
are earlier than her successor King James, seems borne out by their
use of a prior version of the Bible.
If after the painter Jacquemin Gringonneur invented cards for the
hypochondriac Charles the Sixth of France in 1 390, the card-makers
proceeded to engrave saints and descriptive sentences on wood, and
in process of time by the year 1450 to paint blockbooks of a similar
nature with scraps of scripture on them for the laity, — the strange
union of mirth and gravity on the wooden plates in question may be
easily accounted for.
Yours, etc. C. W. C.
[1827, Part //.,/. 592.]
I feel much interested in the account of the curious " antique
wooden Plates," described in p. 501 ; and the more so, as I have a
set somewhat similar.
They are called roundels, are always twelve in a full set, and are
made of beech-wood. They are apparently about the time of Eliza-
beth, and James I., and are considered to have been used in convivial
seasons for the playing of lots or fortunes, by the dealing around the
company the several plates, the inscriptions being underneath, and
then, when turned up, by applying the readings on each to the several
parties.
E. D.
Another valued Correspondent informs us, that a set of these
wooden trenchers, which bears sufficient proofs of having belonged
to Queen Elizabeth, is now in the possession of a solicitor in the
Temple, who is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries.
[1828, Pan I., pp. 133-137-]
The interesting account of twelve " Platters, Trenchers, or Roundels,"
in your December Magazine, reminded me of a similar set in the pos-
session of Mrs. Doyle, and her sister, Miss Clark, of Downham, Nor-
folk. As an account of them may assist in throwing some light upon
their use, I am induced to attempt a description, having been allowed
the loan of them by the kindness of their owners.
These Roundels are twelve in number, and vary a little in size ;
four are rather larger, and one smaller than the remaining seven.
The box which contains them measures nearly seven inches in exterior
diameter. The lid has been ornamented, and vestiges of gilding
still remain ; the pattern consists of eight black circles, the two nearest
the centre one are simply connected by straight lines ; no other device
can, from age, be now discerned.
The centre of each plate is occupied by four lines of poetry, which
commence with vermilion capitals ; the other letters are black, some
Bccchen Roundels. 275
of them are very complicated and curious. The ground appears to
have been covered with a yellow varnish. The legend is inclosed by
two circles of vermilion, which are surrounded by an ornamented
wreath, about an inch and quarter wide. This is finished by a border
of gold, diversified with black, and edged with a dull red.
The fanciful border of one is composed of eight flowers, resembling
blue bottles ; four blue, striped with white, are on one side, and four
white, striped with vermilion, on the other ; the eye of each is black
and gold, with a spear-shaped pistil. The calyx is vermilion, spotted
with yellow, and supported by two green leaves ; these flowers are
joined by curiously twisted love-knots in vermilion.
The Legend is :
" Code's prouidence is wounderfull :
Hee shewes hym-selfe mooste merciful I :
In all our waies defending us,
And by his grace, amending us."
Another is ornamented with four flowers, resembling lilies, which
have two large leaves of vermilion, and a golden bud, " shaded san-
guine," and edged with black in the centre ; six green leaves, divided
by a love-knot, are between the flowers.
" The miserie of everye mann,
Through Satan's guile by synn begann :
Put Christ vouchsafte man's thrale to asswage
His power supprest old Satan's rage."
Mulberries appear to adorn a third roundel ; at the top, bottom,
and each side, are two of gold, divided by black, supported by two
green leaves, and a triangular-shaped stem of vermilion, spotted with
yellow ; on the right side are two white mulberries divided and seeded
with vermilion ; two mulberry leaves terminated by a twisted knot,
are between the golden fruit. The left side corresponds, except that
the mulberries are blue, divided and seeded with white.
" Death ouer us possest suche power
That meanes he sought us to devoure,
But Jesus Christ did set us free,
To whome all praise and thanke give wee."
A variety of flowers are presented in a fourth ; three at the top,
and three below, resemble the heartsease ; the upper white one is
striped with vermilion, with black in the centre, and on each side is a
vermilion flower. The lower heartseases are yellow, with a white one
between them ; the sides are filled up with four white strawberries,
spotted with red, and having blue cups and green leaves.
" In that we haue the world att will :
And take delight to follow yll :
Neglecting all his holye word :
Aganst ourselves, we whet a sword."
Oak-leaves, and twelve acorns, decorate another roundel*; the cups
18—2
276 Games.
and leaves are green ; three acorns are in each division ; the middle
one is gold, " shaded sanguine ;" the two upper, and left side, are
vermilion ; the lower and the right side are yellow.
" Iff thou bee poore hold ye content :
Itt is a crose which God hath sent :
Kemember Job, a man most just,
From statlie seat cast downe to dust."
A sixth has twelve large flowers, placed three together, and united
by large and much intertwined knots of vermilion, and supported by
green leaves. The centre flowers, resembling periwinkles, are blue,
with an eye, relieved by white, gold, and black ; they are executed
with spirit ; the uppermost flower has two white ones adjoining it,
the lower two yellow ; all are similarly shaped. The flower at each
side is between two of vermilion, which are striped with- gold, and
tulip shaped.
" The world is vayne, and all therein :
Yea, man is vyle, because off syim :
Yet Jesus Christ redemed all,
To death, and hell, that were in thrall."
The upper group of another plate consists of a golden flower,
resembling a double daisy, marked out by black ; on each side is a
white periwinkle, divided with vermilion, the eye gold, crossed with
black lines ; two lanceolated green leaves. nearly meet over the golden
flower ; from their stalk proceeds a yellow flower, seen sideways, and
resembling a convolvulus touched with vermilion ; the lower group is
the same, except that the periwinkles are blue, picked out with white ;
the sides are filled with large and spreading knots.
" Itt is not wealth to haue at will,
That can us keepe, and saue from yll :
Gode's grace ytt ys, wch worketh that,
Let us reioice therefore there at."
The wreath round the legend of another is very curious. Four
tulip-shaped flowers are the most prominent ornaments ; their cups
are gold and black ; two shaded green leaves on each side of a white
one, inclose two yellow petals, spotted with red ; between these rises
one of vermilion, which is finished by blue, striped with white. On
one side are four white strawberries and leaves, and a flower or fruit,
composed of stripes of red, white, blue, red, blue, and yellow ; through
this the stalks of the strawberries appear to twist ; the other side cor-
responds, except that the strawberries are blue.
" To love to lyve in peace and ease,
The Lord of life doth muche displease :
Yet suche as lacke, and comfort crane,
Thy heal ping hand in hazard haue."
I
Four tulips, and eight buds, decorate another roundel ; the cups
Beechen Roundels. 277
are black and gold ; two green leaves, divided by a white one, inclose
a yellow interior spotted with red, which is surmounted by three red
and two blue petals. The buds are similar, except that one blue
petal terminates them. The stalks are, as usual, vermilion, and
twisted. The legend is —
" Loue euery man, owe noo man grudge :
God sitts aboue as soueraigne Judge :
Hee seeth all thingcs, aboue, bclowe :
And euery where an eie doth throwe."
Four similar tulips, each separated by twin strawberries and green
leaves, edged with white, form the ornamented wreath of another
plate.
" Looke ere thou leape, and use Vr eies :
Else shall y" shewe thyself unwise :
The symple sort with counsaile aid :
Thus ought thy talent out bee laid."
Another roundel is adorned by four varied groups, connected by
triangular-shaped knots ; the upper centre flower resembles the double
daisy, and is gold and black ; on each side is a vermilion periwinkle,
picked out with yellow, having a gold and black eye, and supported
by a green leaf. Jn the lower group the periwinkles are blue, divided
by white ; on one side they are yellow, and on the other white, striped
with vermilion.
" The holie ghooste doth sanctilie,
Suche as in f.iithe doo fruitifie,
The wicked still waxe worse and worse,
And runn into Gode's heauie curse."
The two flowers, resembling tulips, which ornament the smallest of
the set, are much larger than upon any of the others. A calyx of
vermilion, spotted with yellow, and having black and gold in the
centre, supports a large cup of yellow, spotted with vermilion ; this
is terminated by two blue petals, edged on one side, and spotted on
the other with white ; next is white with two stripes of vermilion, and
a very brilliant leaf between, of gold, " shaded sanguine ;" a large
oak-leaf is on either side ; on the right and left are two large buds of
white, with gold and black cups ; the white petals divide, and show
a yellow interior, spotted with vermilion ; the buds are separated
from each other by a red strawberry, and from the oak-leaf by a
blue one.
" A clay ther ys, whan all shall ryse,
Out of their graues, in wondrous wise :
The elect of God longe for that day :
Come, come, O Cnrist, come soone we say."
Yours, etc., E. P.
That Mr. Wilkins's box and platters (described by C. W. C. in
your December Magazine) are not unique, I can confidently answer ;
278 Games.
ist, from having in my possession the box with platters, hereafter
described ; zdly, from having in September, i8n, seen at a Museum
in Kendal (Westmoreland) a similar box and platters, which were then
called Queen Catharine Parr's Doileys ; and jdly, from a passage in
Whitaker's " Loidis and Elmete," p. 182 [See Note 69.].*
With respect to the tradition about Queen Catharine Parr's Doileys,
which I saw at Kendal, I ought to have observed that she was born
in that town, in a castle now demolished, and that in the parish
church there is an altar tomb for her grandfather, Sir William Parr.
My own set I purchased at a sale of the effects of the celebrated Dr.
Lettsom, where it was catalogued (if I remember right) by the name
of Queen Elizabeth's Doileys. The plates are twelve in number, made
of sycamore wood, and contained in a circular beech box (just capable
of holding them), which measures in exterior diameter exactly six
inches, in interior diameter five inches and one-eighth, and in interior
depth one inch. The figures on the box are entirely effaced. The
plates are so much thinner than Mr. Wilkins's, as to lie without pres-
sure within the box, are very light, slightly convex on the upper side,
and are five inches in diameter.
The exterior rim of the ornamented side of each plate is plain, and
of the width of three-eighths of an inch, but divided into two portions
by a red line. The residue of each plate consists of a roundel (as
Mr. Whitaker calls it) or centre, whereon are depicted various orna-
ments and scrolls (or ribands), with Scripture texts (in old English
characters) upon them, of which the initials and places of reference
are in vermilion, but the texts are in black. The roundels are incircled
by illuminated, fanciful, or arabesque borders (on a dotted or pin
ground), all different, variously coloured and gilt, of a width scarcely
ever exceeding one inch and two-eighths, and joining to the exterior
rim. There being no numerical or other marked order, I shall take
them as they rise.
1. On the roundel, three portions of fancy flowers, partly gilt and
partly in colours (connected by a green riband in the form of a knot);
and below on a straight scroll, " Be merye, and do well," Eccl. iii.
The roundel is surrounded by a border of four knots, and four fancy
flowers, in red, green, and gold.
2. On the roundel, a shrub consisting of two blown flowers, a bud,
and two leaves (green, red, and gold). On the scroll, " One love
another earnestly from the harte," i Petr. i. The whole encompassed
by a rich border of alternate acorns, oak-leaves, and love-knots ; the
acorns gilt, their husks green, and their leaves green and red.
3. The roundel is charged with a flower having large red bushy
petals (partly gilt) on green stalks. The scroll below, " Sweare not at
* Our Correspondent here refers to a set of Roundels formerly belonging to the
Arlhinglon family. It was one of the several sets described in our Magazine in
1 794 ; see vol. Ixiv. p. 407 [ante p. 2<xij.
Beechen Roundels. 279
all ; Let yor communycacyon be yee, yee, — naye, naye," Math v. 36.
The whole surrounded by four white flowers of the wild ranunculus
species (having the anthene gilded), and four intricate knots some-
thing resembling the collars of SS.
4. On this roundel is a three-headed flower of the strawberry kind
(the fruit gilded), arising from green stalks and leaves, and having on
a riband " Speake evill of no man," Tite. iii ; surrounded by a fanci-
ful border, representing some creeping flower of the strawberry kind
(partially gilt), whose petals, green leaves, etc., are connected by
bandages of three folds (one red, between two yellow).
5. Upon the roundel a nondescript plant bearing fruit and flowers
(the latter gilt), each issuing from a red calyx ; and a scroll, " Let not
the sonne go downe upon your wrath," Eph. iv. ; the border composed
of four fanciful figures, resembling flowers, with green and gold leaves,
etc., connected by knots.
6. In the roundel, upon a stalk, a single flower, having petals like
wild white roses, and gilded fruit. Upon a riband twined about the
stalk, " Feare God, honor the kynge," i Pete. ii. The whole encircled
by four flowery ornaments of red, green, and gold, connected by true-
love knots.
7. In this roundel is a fanciful flower (white, green, and gold), with
gilded fruit upon a single stalk, whereon is a label, " Let all that call
upon the Lorde depart from wyckednesse," 2 Timothe. ii. ; surrounded
by a sort of wreath of fanciful flowers (red, green, and gold), con-
nected by branches.
8. Within the centre is a fanciful flower of three branches (gold,
white, and yellow), with the petals red, and the stalks green ; above,
a scroll with this inscription, " Let us do good unto all men," Galat.
vi. The centre is surrounded by four nondescript flowers (gold, yellow,
green, and red) between bold true-love knots.
9. In this roundel, a flower upon a stalk, the petals gold and
yellow ; the calyx (in four divisions) green, with two large leaves
(yellow on the outside, veined and stalked green, and green within),
over a scroll, containing, " Whatsoever ye do in worde or dede, do all
in the name of our Lord Jesu " (but with no reference) ; the whole
surrounded by flowers like heartsease (six in number), and four red
buds, each in a green calyx of three divisions.
10. The roundel is charged with a small flower within a yellow
knot, spotted with green. Underneath is a riband bearing this text,
" Love God all thy lyfe long," Eccl. v. ; and is surrounded by non-
descript flowers (gold, red, yellow, etc.), divided by knots.
1 1. The inner circle has three roses connected by a knot ; the two
outer red and white (the calyx of each green), and the middle rose
red, edged with gold. On a scroll over the knotted stalks, " Repente
and turne to God, and to the righte workes of repentance," Acts xxvi.
This inner circle is within a border of knots and fanciful yellow flowers
280 Games.
(the middle petals partly red, and partly gilt), having leaves of alternate
purple and green.
12. On the roundel, a human skull, below which is the scroll " Set
an order in thy house, for thou shalte dye and not lyve," Esaie xxxviii. ;
surrounded by a rich border of four flowers ; the upper and lower
yellow inside (partly gilt), and blue out, with a green calyx, seeded
gold, and two large spreading serrated green leaves. Those on the
sides have each three blue flowers and two red pods, opening and
discovering yellow edges and gilded seed.
Your Correspondent is perfectly right in his supposition that the
characters in which the mottos are written, as well as the quotations
themselves, are at least as old as Elizabeth ; but it becomes certain
that they are older than James, by all those quotations being from
translations of the Bible prior to 16 n, of which I am in possession
of several ;f.e., Years 1537, 1539, 1549 (Matthew's); i549(Taverner"s);
1562, 1568 (the Bishops'), and its three next editions (of 1569, 1572,
and 1574), also 1584, 1588, and the Geneva of 1595; and I can
assure C. W. C. that ten of the texts he has copied from Mr. Wilson's
platters are word for word from the Bible of 1537 (called Tyndal's,
but supposed to be the joint production of Tyndal and Coverdale),
and six other of those texts are from early translations, a very little
transposed. I shall be happy if this information proves to be of any
service to Mr. Wilson or his friend.
I. H.
Notes.
NO T E S .
(1) The British Museum possesses the copy which belonged to Dr. Lort, and
hear his signature and the following MS. note : " This book was translated
into English by Ozell in 1719, and called M. Misson's Memoirs and Observa-
tions, but query." The title of this translation is M. Afisson's Memoirs and
Observations in his Travels over England, with some account of Scotland and
/retain/, Dispcis'd in Alphabetical order, written originally in French, and trans-
latcd by Mr. Ozell. London, 1719. 8vo, pp. .367. It is arranged according to
English words. The principal articles of interest on Folklore matters are
" Bohemes ou Egyptiennes," " Coqs," "Coventry," "Coutumes," " Festins,"
"St. George!"' " Herbes," "Jetix et Divertissemens," "Marriage," "Noel"
(Christmas), "I'ieds lavez," " IMory," " Salutation," •'Valentin." The writer,
under the signature of AAnti-Scrutator," on page 12, who refers to this book is
wrong in his assertion thru it is mentioned in Dr. Granger's correspondence, edited
by Malcolm.
(2) The title of this valuable paper is A Collection for Improvement of Husbandry
and Trade. Number I was issued on Wednesday, March 30, 1692, and contains
"The Design," as follows: "The Price of Corn, etc., in many counties of the
Kingdom, Price of Actions in Companies, Price of Flesh, a list of London ships
in and out, an abstract of the Bills of Mortality." It also contains advertisements
and gives an essay on the first page of each number containing much curious in-
formation on economic matters. This periodical was printed in folio size and
extended to IQ volumes, and consisted of 2 or 4 pages to each number, with
indexes to each volume. The first number of volume xx., number 583, Friday,
September 24, 1703, was the last printed. Instead of the quaint finishing to each
of the previous numbers,
" Next Friday expect more from
"Yours,
"JOHN HOUGHTON, F.R.S."
We have the following farewell : "Thus I take leave of these papers, wishing
that knowledge may cover the earth as the water covers the sea, which is the
hearty prayer of the world's well-wisher,
"JOHN HOUGHTON, F.R.S.,
" From the Golden Fleece in Gracechurch-street
and corner of Eastcheap, London."
Up to Friday, December 7, 1694, the paper was issued from " S. Bartholomew's
Lane, behind the Royal Exchange, London ;" but the next issue, dated Friday,
December 14, 1694, contained the following notice : " 1 am removed to the Fleece
284
Notes.
at the corner of Little Eastcheap, in Grace-church-street, and desire all my corre-
spondents to direct their letters thither." As a monument of useful enterprising
industry this "Collection" of John Houghton stands almost unrivalled. It was
reprinted in 3 vols, 8vo, edited by Richard Bradley, F.R.S., London, 1727, and
a new edition of this reprint subsequently appeared in 4 vols, Svo.
(3) The British Museum has two copies of this book : Youth's Behaviour, or
Decency in conversation amongst men ; composed in French by grave persons for
the use and benefit of their youth, now newly turned into Lnglish by Francis
Hawkins. Fourth Edition. London, 1646. 1211111, pp. 53, and the Sixth Edition,
London, 1654. I2mo, pp. 59. It deals principally with personal manners.
(4) An Estimate of the Manners and Principles of the Times, by the Author
of " Essays on the Characteristics," etc., 1758. The passage quoted occurs on
page 61 of vol. ii.
(5) This book is not mentioned by Payne Collier, Hazlitt, and Huth, nor can I
find a copy of it in the British Museum. There are two authors about this period
who might stand for the " R. Robinson " of the text, namely, Ralph Robinson,
who translated More's " Utopia," and Richard Robinson. I have looked through
Mr. Arber's Transcript of the Registers of the Company of Stationers of London,
but find no clue to R. Robinson's Way to Thrift. Upon my inserting a query in
the Bibliographer, I received the following information from Mr. Edward Solly,
who is always ready to place his stores of bibliographical knowledge at the service
of workers. Mr. Solly writes as follows : " WATT under the heading of Hall,
Joseph, Bishop of Norwich, says: His satyres were printed in 1597 and 1598.
They were reprinted in 1599. Annexed to this are 'ceriain worthye manuscript
poems of great antiquitie, reserved long in the studie of a Norfolke gentleman ;
and now first published by J. S. I. The Statly Tragedy of Guistard and Sismond.
2. The Northern Mothers' Blessing. 3. The Way to Thrifte.' This gives no
reference to Richard Robinson. Ames in Typo Antiq., ii., 1020, says about
Robinson : 'There were three printers of this name — Robert, George, and Richard
— query was Richard who edited the Gesta Komanorutn the same person as the
printer?' See Warton. Warton Hist. Po., ii. 19 [1577], 'Amongst the Royal
MSS. in the B. M. there is Richard Robinson's Eupolemia, Archippus, and
Panoplia ; being an account of his Patrons and Benefactions, 1603.' And he
adds : ' This R.R.I believe published part of the Harmony of King David's Harp,
a translation of the first twenty-one Psalms, for J. Wolfe, 1582, 410. A transla-
tion of Leland's Assertio Arthurs, for the same, 1582, 4to. The Auncient Order
Socutie, etc., of Prince Arthure and his Knightly Armory of the roiin<i '/able, in
verse, for the same, 1583, 410." But Mr. Solly's clue I have not been able to
follow up. The 1599 edition of Bishop Hall's satires is not in the British
Museum Library, and in the collected editions of his satires and poems by S. W.
Singer in 1824, and by Mr. Alexander Grosart in 1879, no mention is made of
The Way to Thrift.
(6) The following is the full title of this book : Batman vppon Bartholome, his
booke De Proprietatibus Kent in newly corrected, enlarged and amended ; with such
additions as are requisite vnto euery seuerall Booke ; taken foorth of the tncst
approued authors, the like heretofore not translated in English. Profitable for all
estates as well for the benefite of the Mind and Bodie, 1582. London : Imprinted
by Thomas East, dwelling by Paules Wharfe. The work is a curious compilation
of all sorts of things, chiefly religious, but there are several valuable chapters in it
bearing upon Social Manners and Customs. The chapters on the Geography of
the known world and on weights and measures are particularly curious.
(7) Furetiere (Antoine) Dictionnaire uitiversel fraitfais et Latin vuigairemcnl
apfclli Jictioititaire de Tievaujc, 1752, lolio.
Notes. 285
(8) This subject has engaged the attention of two authors since 1819. The best
book is, The Cries of London: exhibiting several of the Itinerant Trailers of A ntient
and Modern times, cuffed from rare engravings or drawn from life. By John
Thomas Smith. With a memoir and portrait of the author. London, 1839, 410.,
pp. xv. 99.
Contents — Ancient Traders: Watchman — Bellman — Billman — Water Carrier —
Corpse Bearer — Hackney Coachman — Jailor — Prison Basket-man — Rat-
catcher—Marking-stones— Buy a Brush or a Table Book— Fire Screens-
Sausages.
Modem traders: New Elegy— All in Full Bloom— Old Chairs to Mend— The
Basket or Prickle-maker — The Potter — Staffordshire Ware — Hard Metal
Spoons— Dancing Dolls— Sprig of Shillelah and Shamrock so Green— Ginger-
bread Nuts, or Jack's Last Shift— Chick weed— Bilberries— Simplers— Washer-
woman, Charwoman, and Street Nursies — Smithfield Bargains— Smithfield
Pudding — The Bladder-man.
Mr. Charles Hindley has also compiled a book on this curious and interesting
subject. Its title is, A History of the Cries of London, ancient and modern, by
Charles Hindley, London, 1881, 8vo, pp. 272 [illustrated]. He does not seem to
know of the letter in the text. In the volume of " Nursery Story Books— London,"
in the British Museum, 12,805, '• 6. is a little book entitled the "Cries of London."
It contains 24 coloured woodcuts of the most rude description.
(9) This little book is the Companion to the Wye Tour : Ariconensia, or Archao-
logical Sketches of Koss and Archenfield, illustrating the campaigns of Caractacus, the
station of Ariconium. etc., with other matters never before published. By Thomas
Dudley Fosbrooke, Ross and London, 1821, 8vo., pp. x. 195. The passage quoted
in the text is taken from pp. 56 — 75, and contains all the folklore from this volume.
The notes as well as the text are from Fosbrooke.
(10) This manuscript has beeji printed by the Folklore Society, under the editing
of Mr. James Britten, F.L.S. Its title is, Kemaines of Gcntilisnu and Judaisme,
by John Aubrey, K.S.S. 1686-87. [London, 1881.] The passage quoted occurs
on page 3$ of this edition.
( 1 1 ) This letter contains some useful references, though of course a great deal of
the writer's conclusions about Mercury and Tilbury and Stonehenge are hopelessly
wrong. Upon the general subject, I may refer to Sir Henry Maine's Village Com-
munities in the East and West, chapter vi. ; C. Walford's fairs, Past and Present;
and Gomme's Primitive Folkmoots.
(12) The passage occurs on page 147 of Mr. Furnival's edition, printed for the
New Shakspere Society in 1879. This is edited from the 1583 edition, and the
spelling does not agree with that quoted in the text. In the 1583 edition, the
author's name is spelt " Stvbbes," and in the 1584 edition " Stubs," as quoted in
the text. The title of the first edition of the work is as follows : " The Anatomic
of Abuses, contayning a discouerie, or briefe Summarie of such notable vices and
Imperfections as nowe raigne in many Christian countreyes of the Worlde ; but
(especiallie) in a verie famous islande called Ailgna : Together with most fearful!
examples of God's ludgementes executed vpon the wicked for the same, aswell in
Ailgna of late as in other places, elsewhere very godly to be read of all true
Christians, eurie where but most needefull, to be regarded in Englande made
fourth time newly corrected and enlarged ;" that of 1836, reprinted from the third
edition, 1585, by W. B. D. D. Turnbull, of which only 100 copies were printed ;
and that of 1870, reprinted by J. P. Collier from the edition of 1583.
(13) Mr. Wright has published a volume for the Shakespeare Society upon the
Chester mysteries : Chester Plays ; a Collection of Mysteries founded tipun Scriptural
286 Notes.
Objects, ami formerly represented by the TraJes of Chester at Whitsuntide. Edited
by Thomas Wright, 2 vols., 8vo., 1843-1847.
(14) Several books have been published on these mystery plays, besides that of
Chester mentioned in Note 13. The most important are, The Ancient Cornish
Drama, edited and translated by Rev. Edwin Norris, Oxford, 1859, 2 vols. 8vo.,
pp. xi. 478 — 516; containing Origo mundi, Passio Domini nostri, resurrexio
Domini nostri, with notes, grammar, ancient vocabulary, names of places mentioned
in the work.
Sharp (Thomas) A Dissertation on the Pageants or Dramatic Mysteries anciently
performed at Coventry by the Trading Companies of that City, chiefly with reference
to the Vehicle, Characters, and Dresses of the Actors ; compile J in a great degree
from sources hitherto unexplored ; to which are added the Pageant of the Shearmen
and Taylors Company, and other Municipal Entertainments of a Public Nature,
4to., Coventry, 1825.
Hone (William) Ancient Mysteries Described, especially the English Miracle
Plays, 8vo., London, 1823.
Norwich Pageants, the Grocers' Play, from a MS. in possession of Robert
Fitch, Esq., F.G.S., royal 8vo., Norwich, 1856.
Tmuneley Mysteries, edited by Rev. J. Hunter and J. Stevenson, Newcastle,
183?, 8vo. [Surtees Society.]
The Presentation in the Temple, a Pageant, as originally represented by the Cor-
poration of Weavers in Coventry, nmu first printed from the books of the Company,
loitli a prefatory notice, 410., Edinburgh, 1836. [Printed for the Abbotsford Club.]
(15) In Wright's Archicological Album, 1845, there is an article on the "Bur-
lesque Festivals of the Middle Ages." It deals with the Feast of the Ass, the
Feast of Fools, the Feast of Innocents, the Fete Dieu at Aix in Provence, and the
Abbot of Misrule. Hone's work on Ancient Mysteries described, especially the
English Miracle Plays, founded on apocryphal New Testament story extant among
the unpublished manuscripts in the British Museum, including notices a/ Eccle-
siastical Shmvs, the Festivals of Fools and Asses, the English Kay-Bishop, the
Descent into Hell, the Lord Mayor's Show, the Guildhall Giants, Christmas
Carols, etc., London, 1823, 8vo., pp. x. 299, may also be referred to, the above full
title of the book being sufficient to indicate its contents.
(16) This volume is the Progresses and Processions of James /., which was pub-
lished in 4 volumes, 410., and finished in 1828, and was the last of Mr. Nichols'
labours.
(17) This and the first mentioned of 1585 has been reprinted in Dyce's edition
of The Works of George Peele, now first collected, London, 1828, 8vo., see pp.
6572, 73-Si-
(18) A copy is also in the British Museum Library. See press mark c' v* "' 7.
It is reprinted by Nichols in his Progresses of James /., vol. i., pp. 564-576.
(19) There is a mutilated copy of the 1609 pageant in the British Museum
Library, containing only sheet B of four leaves. It is entitled "Campell, or the
Ironmonger's Faire Field." See press mark SiJlLi!.
(20) A copy of this is in the British Museum Library. See press mark c. 33. e. 7.
It has been reprinted in Fairholt's Lord Mayors' Pageants, published by the
Percy Society.
<2l) Both these editions are in the British Museum Library. See press mark
c. 33. e. It is reprinted in Nicbol's Progresses of James I. , vol. ii., pp. 679-697.
Notes. 287
(22) A copy of this is in the British Museum Library, press mark '
the full title of which is as follows : Himatia-Poleos, the Trivmphs of aide Draperie,
or the rich Cloathing of England ; performed in affection, and at the charges of the
right worthie and first honoured companie of Drapers: at the instalment of Sr
Thomas Hayes, Knight, in the high office of Lord Maior of London, on Saturday,
being the 29 day of October, 1614. Deuised and written by A, M., Citizen and
Draper of London. London, printed by Edward Allde, 1614.
(23) A copy is in the British Museum Library, press mark c. 33 e. It was
" Printed at London by George Purslowe, 1615." It is printed by Nichols in his
Progresses of fames /., vol. iii., pp. 107-118.
(24) A copy of this is in the British Museum Library under press mark -c' 33' e' 7,
Mr. J. G. Nichols printed a magnificent edition in large folio in 1844, of which
the following is the title page: "The Fishmongers' Pageant, on Lord Mayor's
Day, 1616 : Chrysanaleia, The Golden Fishing, devised by Anthony Munday,
Citizen and Draper, represented in twelve plates, by Henry Shaw, F.S.A., from
contemporary drawings in the possession of the worshipful company of Fish-
mongers, accompanied with various illustrative documents and an historical intro-
duction by John Gough Nichols, F.S. A., Citizen and Stationer. Printed for the
Worshipful Company of Stationers, 1844." Large folio, pp. 31, and 12 plates. It
is also printed in J. Nichols's Progresses of James /., vol. iii., pp. 195-207.
(25) A copy of the 1618 pageant is in the British Museum Library, press mark
c" 33' "' 7. The full title is : Sidero Jhriambos, or Steele and Iron Triumphing
applauding the advancement of Sir Sebastian Hartley, A'night, to the dignitie of
Lord Motor of London. Taking his oath in the same authoritie at Westminster on
Thursday, being the 29 day of October, 1618, performed in hearty hue to him and
at the charges of his kinde Brethren the right worshipful! company of ironmongers.
/)euised and written by A. M., Citizen and Draper of London. London, printed
by Nicholas Okes, dwelling in Foster Lane, 1618.
(26) A copy is in the British Museum Library, press mark c. 34. d. 43.
(27) A copy is in the British Museum Library, press mark c. 33. e. 7. The full
title is : The svtine in /tries, a noble solemnity performed through the Citie at the
sole cost and charges of the Honourable and ancient Fraternity of Drapers, at the
confirmation and establishment of their most worthy Brother, the Right Honourable
Edward Barkham, in the high office of his Maiesties Lieutenant, the Lord Maior of
the famous citie of London, taking beginning at his Lordship's going, and perfecting
ilselfe after Ms returne from receiuing the oath of Afaiorally at Westminster on the
morrow after Simon Jvt/e's day, being the 29 of OctoUr, 1621. By Tho. Middleton,
gent. At London printed by Ed. All-de, for H. G., 1621.
(28) The pageant for 1622 was Trivmphs of Honor and Virtue, by Thomas
Middleton. It is in the British Museum Library, press mark — Si-S-Z^ The
pageant for 1623 is in the British Museum Library, press mark -' 3* e' ?, the full
title being : The Trivmphs of the Golden Fleece, performed at the cost and charges
of the (itincient and Honourable Socielie of the Drapers. For the enstaulment of
their Worthy Brother Mr. Martin Lvmley in the Afaioraltie of London, on Wed-
nesday, being the nine anil twentieth day of October, 1623. Written by A. Mvndy,
Citizen and Draper of London. London, printed by T. S., 1623.
(29) The following is the account of the copy found at Exeter Cathedral, given
in li'etti. Mag., vol. Ixxviii., p. 38 :
"A few clays ago, in an old room in the Cloisters at the Cathedral Church
of St. Peter, Exeter, I picked up an old tract, which I have never seen an account •
288 Notes.
of in any Catalogue ; and being very small, and printed near 200 years ago, per-
haps but few are now extant. I therefore presume the following description of it
will not be uninteresting to the curious in rare books.
"Yours, etc., S. WOOLMER,
Printer of the Exeter Gazette.
" 'London's IMV to the Royal Prince Henrie, meeting him on the River Thames
at his Returne from Richmonde, with a worthie fleete of her Cittizens, on
Thursday the last of May, 1610, with a briefe Reporte of the Water Fight and
Fire Worts : London, printed by Edm. Allde, for Nathaniell Fosbrooke, and
are to be solde at the West-end of Faults, ntere to the Bishop of London's Gate,
1610.'
" This tract consists of 29 pages, including the frontispiece of two curious wood
prints with two men of war finely equipped and in full sail. After the title-page
is the following address :
" ' To the Right Honourable Sir Thomas Cambell, Knight, Lord Major of this
famous Cittieof London : and to all the Aldermen his worthie Bretheren, etc.
"'I holde it but right and justice (Honorable Lord, and you the rest of this
Pollitique Bodie) to give you that which you have best deserved ; to wit, a true
taste of that dayes sollemne Triumphe (in honor of so hopeful a Prince) and
wherein your great love appeared not a little. Your time for preparation was
verie short ; and mine, for your service, much shorter : yet (of mine own know-
ledge) bothe of them were very royally and gratefully accepted, which I am sure
was all your chiefest expectation, and, than which, nothing could be more desired
by myself. Accept then your own, and me at your continual service.'
" Next follow 13 pages, describing London's Love to the Royal Prince. From
the I4th to the l8th page is Corinea's Speech, introduced in the following
manner :
" ' Corinea, a very fayre
and beautiful! Nimphe, re-
presenting the Genius of Old Cori-
neus Queene, and the Province of
Cornwalle, suited in her watrie Habit
yet riche and costly, with a Coronet
of Pearles and Cockle Shelles on her
Head, saluteth the PRINCE.'
From the igth to the 25th pages, relates to Ampion, a grave and judicious
prophet personating the genius of Wales, and the narrative of the manner of the
sea-fight. S. W."
It is printed in Nichols's Progresses of Janus /., vol. ii., pp. 315-323.
(30) A copy is in the British Museum, press mark c. 30. d. 3. The full title is
Chester's Trivmph in Honor of her Prince as it was performed vpon S. George's
Day, 1610, in the foresaid citie. London, printed for J. B., and are to be sold in
Saint Dunstanes Churchyard in Fleete Streete, 1610. It is printed in Nichol's
Progresses of James /., vol. ii., 291-306, and by the Chetham Society, edited, with
Introduction and Notes, by T. Corser, M.A., in 1844.
(31) This is printed in Nichols's Progresses of fames I., vol. iii. 208-211.
(32) The volume in the British Museum from which I have noted the copies in
the above Notes (press mark c. 33. e. 7) is a rare book bound in vellum. It
contains, besides other curious tracts, the following pageants : " 1605, Triumph of
Reunited Britannia; 1612, Troia Nova; 1615, Metropolis Coronata ; 1616,
Chrysanaleia ; 1618, Sidero Thriambos ; 1621, Sunne in Aries; 1622, Triumphs
of Honor and Virtue; 1623, Golden Fleece ; 1628, Britannia's Honour.
Notes. 289
(33) The pageant for 1628 was by Dekker, and is in the British Museum, press
mark <z-31 -5i-Z. xhe full title is Brittannia's Honor : Brightly shining in seuerall
magnificent shewes or Pageants to celebrate the solemnity of the Right Honorable
J\ichar,t Deane at his inauguration into the Mayoralty of the Honourable citty of
London, on Wednesday, October the 2<)t/i, 1628, at the particular cost and charges of
the Right Warship/till Worthy and Ancient Society of Skinners. Mart. lib. 7, Ep. 5.
Kursus Iff, Magnos clamal noua. Troia Triumphant, inuented by Tho. Dekker.
[The imprint is cut off in binding.] The pageant for 1629 was London's Tempe ;
or, The field of Happiness, in which Field are planted several! trees of magni-
ficence, state, and Be-Mty, to celebrate the solemnity of the Jtight Honorable James
Campebell, at his inauguration into the honorable office of Prictorship or Maiorality
of London, on Thursday, the 2<)th of October, 1629. All the particular Inventions
for the Pageants, showes of Triumph both by Water and Land, bring here fully set
dentine. At the sole cost and liberall charges of the Right Worsliipfull Society of
Ironmongers. Written by Thomas Dekker, London. This is reprinted by Fair-
holt in the Percy Society volume. A copy of this rare pageant, with two leaves in
manuscript in the handwriting of Mr. Rhodes, was sold with the rest of his library,
April, 1825. This copy is now in the possession of Mr. J. P. Collier, from which
Fairholt's reprint was taken. A perfect copy is in the library of the Duke of
Devonshire. See p. 149.
(34) A copy is in the British Museum Library, press mark 113. 1. 10, and
another copy is in the Library of the Society of Antiquaries belonging to the
Fairholt collection. It is also printed in Fairholt's Lord Mayors Pageants, pub-
lished by the Percy Society. " Only one other copy of this Pageant is known ; it
is in the Guildhall Library, for which it was purchased of Thorpe, the bookseller,
for £4 143. 6d." MS. Note by F. \V. Fairholt in the copy belonging to the
Society of Antiquaries.
(35) A copy of this is in the British Museum Library, press-mark c. 30. d. 12.
(36) The following is now the correct list of the pageants in the British Museum
Library, so far as I am able to discover them. It will be seen that considerable
additions have been made since Mr. Nichols' time :
Mr. Nichols' List. Present List.
1605
1609
1612
1613 - 1613
1614
1615
1616
1818
1619 - - „ • 1619
1620
1622
1623
1628
1638
1639
1655 , - 1655
1657
1658
1660
1661 ... . 1061
1662
1664
'9
2 go Notes.
Mr. Nichols' List.
Present List.
1671
1672
1672
1674
1675
- ' 1675
1676
1676
1677
- 1677
1678
- 1678
1679 -
1679
1680
1681
• 1681
1684
1685
1686
1686
1687
1689 -
• 1689
1692
1693
1694
1695
1698
1699
1708
(37) A copy is in the British Museum Library, press-mark 113. 1. n.
(38) A copy is In the British Museum Library, press-mark 113. 1. 12.
(39) A copy is in the British Museum, press mark 113. 1. 13. The full title is:
" 1 he Royal Oake, with other various and delig/itftill Scenes presented on the water
and land, celebrated in Honour of the deservedly honoured Sir Richard Brown, Bart.,
Lord Mayor of the City of London, the 2f)th day of October, in the 12th year of his
Majesties most happy reign. An. Dom. 1660, and performed at the costs and charges
of the Right Worsliipfull Company of Merchant Paylors, being twice as many
pageants and speeches as have formerly shcmicn. By John Tatham. London.
Printed by S. C. for K. B., 1660." It was reprinted in the Fairholt collection by
the Percy Society.
(40) This custom will be included in our volume on " Foreign Manners and
Customs," but a note here may be useful. The volume for 1798, Ixviii., p. 184,
thus describes the ceremony : " On Ascension-day the Doge, in a splendid barge,
attended by a thousand barks and gondolas, proceeds to a particular place in the
Adriatic. In order to compose 'the angry gulph,' and procure a calm, the
patriarch pours into her bosom a quantity of holy water. As soon as this charm
has had its effect, the Doge, with great solemnity, through an aperture near his
seat, drops into her lap a gold ring, repeating these words : ' Desponsamus te,
Mare, in signum veri perpetuique dominii — We espouse thee, O sea, in token of
a real and perpetual dominion over thee.' "
(41) A copy is in the British Museum, press mark 113. I. 14.
(42) A copy is in the British Museum, press mark 9930. d.
(43) This has been printed in Fairholt's collection of Lord Mayors' Pageants,
published by the Percy Society. A copy is in the British Museum Library, press
mark 605. b. 18 ; one in the Guildhall Library, one in the Bodleian Library, and
another in that of the Duke of Devonshire.
(44) A reprint of 1835, by C. Whittingham, is in the British Museum, press
mark 9930. g., and in the Fairholt collection at the Society of Antiquaries.
Notes. 291
(45) Three copies are now in the British Museum, press marks 625. c. 12 (two
copies) and 113. 1. 15.
(46) Two copies are now in the British Museum, press marks 113. 1. 17 and
605. C. 12
3
(47) This has been reprinted in Fairholt's Lord Mayors' Pageants, published by
the Percy Society. Two copies are in the British Museum Library, press marks
113.1. iSand^-i-'.
(48) Two copies are in the British Museum Library, press marks 1 13. 1. 19 and
605. c. n
5
(49) A copy is in the British Museum Library, press mark 113. 1. 20.
(50) The British Museum has now two copies, press marks 113. 1. 21 and
605. c. ig
6 •
(51) The speech referred to is as follows :
Their majesties in their state coach, preceded by the Earl of Harcourt in his
chariot, and the Dukes of Rutland and Devonshire in another chariot, the
grenadier guards and the yeomen of the guards, and followed by a corps of the
horse guards, passed on to St. Paul's church-yard, at the east end of which the
following speech was addressed, with all humility, to the king's most excellent
majesty, by the senior scholar of the Grammar school in Christ's Hospital.
" MOST AUGUST AND GRACIOUS SOVERKIGN,
" From the condescension and goodness, which your majesty displays towards
even the meanest of your subjects, we are emboldened to hope you will accept the
tribute of obedience and duty which we poor orphans are permitted to present you.
" Educated and supported by the munificence of a charity, founded, enlarged,
and protected by your royal predecessors, with the warmest gratitude we acknow-
ledge our inexpressible obligations to its bounty, and the distinguished happiness
we have hitherto enjoyed under the constant patronage of former princes. May
this ever be our boast, and our glory ! Nor can we think we shall prefer our
prayer in vain, whilst with earnest but humble supplications we implore the
patronage and protection of your majesty.
" To our ardent petition for your princely favours, may we presume, dread
Sovereign, to add our most respectable congratulations on your auspicious marriage
with your royal consort. Strangers to the disquietude which often dwells within
the circle of a crown, long may your majesties experience the heart-felt satisfaction
of domestick life ; in the uninterrupted possession of every endearment of the most
tender union, every blessing of conjugal affection, every comtort of parental felicity.
And may a race of princes, your illustrious issue and descendants, formed by the
example, and inheriting the virtues of their great and good progenitors, continue
to sway the British sceptre to the latest posterity."
As soon as he had finished, the boys in a grand chorus chanted, God save the
king, Amen. After which, the senior scholar delivered two copies of the speech
to the king and queen, who received them most graciously.
(52) A copy is in the British Museum Library, press mark 113. 1. 22.
(53) A copy is in the British Museum Library, press mark 9930. d.
(54) A copy is in the British Museum Library, press mark 813. h. 61. The full
title is : London's Triumph, or the Goldsmiths' yubilee, performed on Saturday,
October xxix., 1687, for the Confirmation and Entertainment of the Right Honour-
able Sir John Shorter, Kt., Lord Mayor of the City of London, containing a descrip-
tion of the several pageants and speeches made, proper for the occasion, together with
a song for the entertainment of his Majesty, who with his royal consort, the Queen
Dowager, their Koyal highnesses the Prince and Princess of Denmark, and tin
19 — 2
292 Notes.
whole Court, honour his Lordship this year with their presence. All set forth at
the proper costs and charges of the -worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. By M.
Taubman. Printed and published by authority. London: printed byj. Leake
in Jewin Street, 1687.
(55) There are two original copies in the British Museum, folio, under press
marks 605. c. 12 and 113. 1. 23. The edition of 1761 is also there, press mark
°5' 8 ' 29, and it is printed in the Somers Tracts, 1809, 410.
(56) A copy is in the British Museum Library, press mark 113. b. 24.
(57) A copy is in the British Museum Library, press mark 113. 1. 25.
(58) A copy is in the British Museum Library, press mark 113. 1. 26.
(59) A copy is in the British Museum Library, press mark 113. 1. 27.
(60) A copy is in the British Museum Library, press mark 604. h. 29.
(61) A copy is in the British Museum Library, press mark 604. h. 30.
(62) A copy is in the British Museum Library, press mark 115. i. 45.
(63) It may be useful to give the titles of the following books on London
pageants : Catalogue of a Collection of Works on Pageantry, bequeathed to the Society
of Antiquaries of London, by the late Frederic William Fairholt, Esq., F.S.A.
London, 1869, 8vo., pp. 40.
Fairholt (F. W. ) Lord Mayors' Pageants, being collections towards a history of
these annual celebrations, with specimens of the descriptive pamphlets published by
the City poets. London : printed for the Percy Society, 1843-1844, 8vo., 2 vols.,
pp. xl. 178; viii. 288. Part I., History of Lord Mayors' Pageants; Part II.,
Reprints of Lord Mayors' Pageants.
(64) Nash's book is Pierce Pennilesse, his supplication to the Divell, London,
1592, 410. Other editions were published in 1593 and 1595, and Mr. J. P. Collier
in 1870 published it for the Shakespeare Society. On "Bumper" and " Bombard,"
consult Palmer's Folk Etymology.
(65) In vol. liv., 1784, p. 99, it is stated that the curfew, called there "culfer,
i.e., cool-fire " (?)- was rung at Kotherham.
(66) This refers to the following paragraph in vol. xxi., for 1751, p. 282 :
" Thursday 20. — John Shakeshanks, woolcomber, and Anne his wife, of the
parish of Weathersfield in Essex, appeared at the customary court at Dunmow-
parva, and claim'd the bacon according to the custom of that manor."
(67) At the following references the ceremony is described from contemporary
witnesses : 1793, p. 571 ; 1796, p. 431 ; 1814, p. 693 ; 1817, p. 559.
(68) The following is the letter referred to (1813, part ii., p. 308) :
" Southey, in " Omniana," vol. ii., p. 178, quotes, from Fuller, a Charter
granted by Henry VIII. to Francis Brown, grandfather of the Founder of the
sect of the Brownists, giving him leave to put on his cap in the presence of the
King or his heirs, etc. I have in my possession 'A right fruitfull Booke of
Examples, or Copies of sundrie sorts of Instruments of Writings,' printed in 1599.
Among divers Instruments, is 'a Licence for a Man to keepe on his Cap,' which
runs as follows :
" ' Henrie the Eight, etc. To all maner our Subjects, as wel of spirituall pre-
heminence and dignity, as of temporall authoritie, these our Letters hearing and
seeing, and to every of them, greeting. Forasmuch as we be credibly informed,
that our welbeloved T. M., for divers infirmities which he halh.in his head,
cannot conveniently, without his great danger, be discovered of the same : We let
you wit, with consideration thereof, wee have by these presents licensed him to
use and wear a bonnet at all times, as well in our presence as elsewhere, at his
libertie. We, therefore, will and command you, and euerie of you, to permit and
Notes. 293
suffer him so to doe, without any your challenges or interruption to the contrarie,
as ye tender our pleasure and will avoid the contrarie. Given under our signet, at
our Palace at Westminster, the xx day of May, 36 yeare of our raigne.'
"Yours, etc., HUGH CALPERS."
(69) The words in Whitaker*s ioidis and Etnicte, p. 182, are as follows :
" Thy Love that thow to one haste limit,
In Labor loste thy Tyme was spent.
" Thy fooes mutche griefe to the have wroughte,
And thy Destruction have they soughte.
" My sonne, off Pride looke thou beware,
To sarve the Lorde sett all thye care.
" Lett Wisdome rule well all thy waies,
And sett thy minde the Lorde to please.
" Thy hautie mynde dothe cause ye smarte,
And makes the sleape wth carefull harte.
" In Godlie trade ronne well thy race,
And from the poore torne nott thy face.
" Thy youthe in follie thou hast spentt,
Defere nott nowe for to repent.
" Trust nott this worlde thou wooeful wightev
Butt lett thye ende be in thye sighte."
INDEX.
ABBOT OF MISRULE. See " Lord of."
Abbot of Unreason, festival called, 90,
9«
Abingdon, adorning houses with flowers
at, 190
Alauniz (Mastiff). See "Mayster of
the Game."
Albrighton, game of whipping the cat
at, 258, 259 "
Aldis (W.) on custom of Shot Corn, 47
Ale (hot) and cakes given at funerals, 70
All Saints' Eve, Lamb's-wool drank on,
1 80
Alnwick, municipal custom at, 190, 191
Anne (Queen), London Pageants during
reign of, 150-153
Apothecary, the first in England, 6
Apparitions in Lincolnshire, 33
Apple, stuck with corn, used on New
Year's Day (Wales), 80
Apple-trees, customs connected with,
Herefordshire, 19; Warlingham, 233
Apples thrown at bailiffs on their elec-
tion (Kidderminster), 222
Arabic numerals, use of, 271
Arrow (broad), shooting the, a game,
245 ; (silver), custom of shooting for,
216
Arthington family, 264
Ascoliasmus, game of, 254
Asnes (Fete des), festival called, 83
Asses, Feast of, festival called, 84
Bacon (Flitch of) given at Dunmow,
after marriage of year and a day,
200-203 ; at Wichnor, 233-235
Bandy, game called, 26, 250
Barford, bread scrambled for at church
door, 194
Barring-out, custom of, 164-173
Bartholomseus, De Proprietatibui
Kerum, 9, 284
Basingstoke, old elm-tree at, 191
Bastard Children, penance for having,
76
Bath (Somersetshire), note on, 2
Bean put into twelfth cakes, 156
Bear-baiting, 251
Beards, custom of wearing long, IO ;
clippings of, used for sacrifice, 10
Bedlam, 2
Beechen Roundels, 259-280
Bees, customs connected with (Here-
fordshire), 26, 27 ; at Pamber
(Hampshire), 227
Bell-ringing, verses on, in Tonge
church, 231
Bell -tolling customs in Hatherleigh
(Devon), 216
Berks. See " Abingdon."
Betrothal ceremony, 54
Bidding- Wedding, 67, 180, 181
" Bidder," title of one who invites
wedding guests, 63
Billingsgate porters, custom of, at
Paul's Stump, 222, 223
Birmingham, Christmas custom of
giving money to servants, 193
Birth customs, Lincolnshire, 30 ; Scot-
land, 16
Blindman's Buff, game of, 246
Bodmin, "Curfew Bell" tolled at, 193,
194
Bolton village and castell, account of,
6.7
Boundaries and landmarks, ancient,
47-53 ; perambulations of, 37. See
"Trees."
Index.
295
Hounds, beating of (Grimsby), 51-53
Bowls, game of, prohibited, 253, 255
Boy iiishop, festival, 86-90. See
" Montem."
Bread, scrambled for at church doors
(Barford), 194
Bride, capture in Ireland, 57, 58 ; in
Wales, 65, 66 ; ceremony of saluting
the, 30 ; customs, 58-69 ; in Scot-
land, 15, 16
Bridegroom, origin of term, 30
Brown's Estimate of the Times, 7
Bucks. See " Eton," " Quainton."
Bull-baiting at Great Grimsby, 211, 212
Bumper, origin of term, 157, 158
Burial Garlands. See " Funeral Cus-
toms. "
Cabbage-stalk thrown on the election
of bailiff at Kidderminster, 221
Caistor church, cracking the gad or
whip in, 195-197
Cake (Bride), customs in Lincolnshire,
3°
Cakes and ale, at funeral"., Yorkshire,
70 ; oxen presented with, Hereford-
shire, 22, 23
Cambrai, revenues of Boy Bishop of, 88
Cambucca, Roman game of, 250
"Candle-money," custom called, 47
Candles used in twelfth-day customs
(Ireland), 22
Cappe, License to keep on, 251, 292
Cardigan Weddings, 62, 63
Cards, game of, prohibited, 253, 255
Carey (John), on Game of Top Castle,
256-258
Carol-singers, custom of, in Lincoln-
shire, 29
Cat races, at St. Andrews, 259
Cat, Whipping the, game of, 258, 259
Cat and Catstick, game of, 250
Catteshill (Godalming), tenure of manor
of, 213-215
Charles I., London Pageants in reign
of, 112-117; tracls published at his
triumphal entry into London (1640),
115-117
Charles II., account of, 2; London
Pageants during reign of, 119-135;
progress of, through the city (1660),
120
Cheapside Pageants, description of, 130,
150
Cheese used as christening present
(Herefordshire), 21
Chess, ancient game similar to, 249
Chepstow, Mothering Sunday at, 180
Chickens, superstitions connected with,
26
Childbirth, women taking their rights
before, 73-76; customs incident to;
74-76
Childermas, Boy Bishop festival during,
86
Children's games, 246-248
Chimneys, in Bolton Hall, 6
Chingford, homage paid for land at, 198
Christening customs, Herefordshire, 17,
20, 21 ; Lincolnshire, 31 ; Scotland,
16
Christmas customs, described by French
writer, 1774, II ; decadence of, 154,
155; list of amusements, 155; at
Birmingham, 193 ; in Forest of
Dean, 35 ; at Glastonbury, 209-211 ;
in Herefordshire, 18, 20, 21 ; at
Homchurch, 221 ; in Lincolnshire,
28, 29; at Ormskirk, 166-173; in
Wales, 79, 80
Church, feast on anniversary of build-
ing, 40-42
" Church-shot," custom called, 47
Church-stiles, drinking at, 181
Churches, stage plays in (temp. 1348),
156
Cinque Ports, ancient manner of taking
refuge for murder or felony in, 199
Clee (Lancashire), village customs in,
37-39
Clerkenwell, stage plays acted by
parish clerks at, 200
Closhe, game of, 252, 255
Closing, game of, 251-253
Cock-crower, officer styled (West-
minster), 241
Cock-fighting (Herefordshire), 25
Coffins, pins found in, 18 1
Coleridge (John) on Shepherds' Cus-
toms, 43-45
Commerce, game of, 247
Commonwealth, London Pageants
during the, 117-123
Corn, wreath of, worn by bride, 58
" Corn-showing," custom called (Here-
fordshire), 23, 24
" Cornes," note on, 2
Cornutes, note on, 69
Cornwall. See"Bodmin," "Helston."
Coronelle (Father), 2
Corpus Christ! Gild (at Dublin), 80-82
Cotteshulle, manorial customs at, 200
Cries of London, 13-15, 2$5
Cross-purposes, game of, 247
296
Index.
"Court of Love" festival at Dresden
(1707), 101. See "Parliament of
Love."
Court leet at Pamber, 226, 227
Courtezans, note on, 2
Courts, note on, 2
Cows, note on, 3
Coyting, game of, prohibited, 253-255
Cuckoo superstitions, 31
Cucoldom, note on, 69
" Cucumbers," 74
Cumberland, customs in : Barring-out,
164, 165 ; gameof scabshew,250 ; form
of invitation to a wedding in, 67, 68
Cup and ball, game of, 249
Curfew bell tolled at Bodmin tCorn-
wall), 193-194, 292
Curling, game of, 253-254
Customs (temp. 1697), 1-6
"Dagger-money," municipal custom at
Newcastle, 225, 226
Days for marriage (Cardigan), 63
Dean, Forest of, custom of the, 34, 35
Death, customs incident to, Hereford-
shire, 18, 26, 27 ; Scotland, 18 ;
telling bees of owner's, 227
Death-cart, apparition called, 33
Dekker (T.), author of London Pageants
(1612), 106, 289
Devonshire, harvest customs in, 45, 46.
See "Exeter," " Hatherleigh."
Dice, game of, prohibited, 253-255 ;
Greek game of, 249
Divination by stick (rhabdomancy), 31 ;
by cards, 32
Dominoes, game of, 255
" Drengage," tenure of land called,
185-190
Dresden, account of Court of Love at,
101
Dress (yellow-starched bands), 7
Drinking customs (bumpers), 157-159;
at church-stiles, 181
Ducking-stool at Grimsby, 52, 53
Durham, customs of barring out, 165
" Dulce Domum " sung at Winchester
School, 235-240
Dumb-cake, divination by, 32
Dunmow, flitch of bacon presented after
marriage of year and day, 200-203.
See " Wichnor."
Easter, eggs presented as offerings at,
39 ; flauns (cakes) eaten at Nettle-
ham, 225 ; municipal customs at
Randwic. 228-2^0
Easter Monday custom at Haloughton,
215, 216
Eggs given as Easter offering, 39 ; and
salt, used at christenings, 3 1
Eggshells, boiled, used by witches, 33
Elizabeth (Queen), temp, customs, 93 ;
portrait of in verse, 267 ; sports on
Sundays temp., 245
Elm-tree (old) at Basingstoke, 191
England (temp. 1697), manners and
customs in, 1-6
Equator, crossing the, 178-180
Essex. See "Chingford," "Dunmow,"
"Hornchurch."
Eton, Montem festival at, 203-207 ;
manorial custom at, 207
Exeter, sword bearer wearing hat and
sword in the cathedral of, 207-208
Face, painting the, 266, 267
" Faddy," dance called, at Helston, 217
Farmers, customs of, in Herefordshire,
17
Faulkner (J.), on sports on Sunday, 245
Feasting upon live flesh, 159
Feasts, village, at Clee, 37-39 ; at Scop-
wick, 36, 39 ; Welsh marriage, 64, 65
Feet, washing of, by king, 1 1
Ferrars (Geoige), Lord of Misrule, 91-
92
Festivals (burlesque) of former ages,
83-102. See " Montem."
Finger, fourth, superstition of, 54
Fires at harvest-time, 18 ; at Christ-
mas, 21, 22 ; at Twelfth-day, 22
Fits, ring used in cure of, 31
" Flaun " cakes eaten at Easter, 225
Flower and a lady, game of, 247
Flowers, adornment of houses with
(Berkshire), 190 ; (wild) superstition
connected with, 26
Football, game of, 28
Fortune-telling cards, 261
Fox-in-the-hole, game of, 254, 255
France, festival of Prince of Sots in, 85
French writers on English manners and
customs, 1-6, 10-12
"Freemen's Well" at Alnwick, 190,
191
Friday (Good) Customs, Herefordshire,
27 ; Lincolnshire, 32
Funeral customs, 69-73 i m Devon, 216;
Herefordshire, 18, 26,27; Lancashire,
38 ; Scotland, 16 ; Wales, 42, 216.
See "Death," "Garland."
Furniture of farmhouses in Hereford-
shin', 17
Index.
.297
Furry Day, custom at Helston, Corn-
wall, 216-218
Games, 245-280 ; in Herefordshire, 18,
26, 28 ; Prefect of, appointed (1546),
93
Gardening, early, 266
Garlands (funeral) of gold and silver
wire, 71 ; of flowers, 71 ; of white
paper at Clee, 38, 71 ; custom of
hanging on monument in Tonge
Church, 230
Garrat (Wandsworth), mayor of, elec-
tion of, 208, 209
Garter (bride's) at marriage ceremonies,
61
Gascoign's Noble Art of Venerit (1575),
160
Gayton (Eden), London pageant written
by (1655), 118
Gemsage (Paul) on drinking bumpers,
157-159; on swearing, 174-178
Ge ntlemari s Journal ( 1 693, 1694), 253,
254
Gilds, Corpus Christ!, at Dublin, 80-82
Gis, an oath by, 271
Glantville. - See " BartholomEeus."
Glastonbury thorn, 209-21 1
Gloucester. See " Forest of Dean,"
"Randwic," "St. Brisval's."
Gloves of white paper carried at funerals,
38, 71
Godiva, Lady, 219
Goldsmiths from Paris (temp. 1561), 7
Golf, game of, 249
Grace-cap, 157
Grave mounds, casting stones on, 72, 73
Greek customs similar to Welch, 42
Greek (ancient) game, 248, 249
Green (M.), on ancient manners, 6, 7 ;
on custom at Lambeth, 222
Gretna Green marriages, 212
Grimsby, bull-baiting at, 211, 212 ;
beating the bounds at, 51 ; ducking-
stool at, 52
Guildford, manorial custom at, 213-215
Hair, custom of wearing long, 9, 10
Half-bowl, gome of, prohibited, 255
Haloughton, Easter Monday cuslom al,
215, 216
Hamper (William), on custom of shot
corn, 47
Hants. See " Basingstoke," " Pam-
ber," "Shirefield," "Winchester,"
"Winton."
Harrow-on-the-Hill, custom of shoot-
ing for silver arrow at, 216
Harvest customs in Devonshire, 45, 46 ;
Herefordshire, 17, 18, 24
Hatherleigh, bell-tolling customs at, 216
Hawkins's (F.) Youths Behaviour
(1 66?), 7, 284
Hawthorn (Samuel), on Parish Stocks,
53. 54
Helstone, furry day at, 216-218
Herefordshire, manners and customs of,
16-28
Herodotus, game mentioned in, 248
Heywood (Thos.), London pageants
written by (1631), 113 ; (1632), 113,
114; (1633), 113; (1635), "4, "5J
(1637), 115 5(1638), 115; (1639), 11$
Highgate, horns at, 69
Highland clans, ensigns of, in battle,
173 ; customs, Birnham Wood tra-
dition, 173, 174
Hinckley, Whit Monday custom at,
218-220
Hocky, Roman game of, 250
Holiday times of old, 153-156. See
"Festivals."
Holly boy and ivy girl, sport called
burning a, 78
Holmes (John), on Game of Closing,
251, 252
Holy Rood Day, hunting custom on,
230
Homage paid for land at Chingford
(Essex), 198
Honeymoon, derivation of phrase, 30
Hood (Eu.), on Hunting Customs, 159-
164
Horace, game mentioned by, 256, 257
Hornchurch, Essex, bull's head and
horns at, 220 ; Christmas Day custom
at, 221
Horse-shoes as charms, 33
Hot-cockles, game of, 246
Hourglass buried with corpse, 70, 72
Houses, description of, in Hereford-
shire, 17; adorning outside of, with
flowers and garlands, 190
Household servants (temp. Edw. II.), 7
Houghton (J . ) Collections for Improve-
ment (1692), 3, 283
Hunting customs, old, 159-164 ; at
Richmond (Surrey), 230
Husbands, divinations to obtain, 32
•
" I am a lusty wooer," game called, 247
" I am a Spanish merchant " game
called, 246 i
298
Index.
" I am come to torment you," game
called, 247
' ' I am upon the Fryar's ground, " game
called, 246
" I love my love with an A," game
called, 247
Inn sign at Albrighton, 258-259 ; at
Kidderminster, 259
Invitation (wedding), form of, in
Cardigan, 63 ; Cumberland, 67
Ireland, bride capture in, 57-58 ; game
of top castle in, 256 ; " lamb's-wool"
drank in, 180 ; marriage festival in,
59-61 ; Twelfth Day customs in, 22.
See "Kilkenny."
Iron, customs connected with (Here-
fordshire), 22
Ivy girl, burning an, 78
James I., London pageants during reign
of, 103-111
James II., anecdote of, 3 ; London
pageants during reign of, 135-138
Jis, or Gis, form of oath by, 271
Jordan (Thomas), London pageants
written by (1671), 124; (1672), 124;
(1673), 125; (1674), 125; (1675),
125-6; (1676), 126; (1677), 126;
(1678), 127; (1679), 127 ; (1680),
128; (1681), 129; (I684), 135
Keyles, game of, 253, 255
Kidderminster, throwing cabbage-stalks
at election of bailiffs, 221-222 ; inn
sign at, 259
Kilkenny Grammar School, barring-out
at, 166
Lambeth, custom of giving wine to Lord
Mayor, 222
Lambs' tails, omens connected with, 31
"Lambs'-wool," drunk in Ireland on
All Saints' Eve, 1 80
Lancashire. See " Clee," " Ribchester."
Land, scrambling custom connected
with, Barford, 194 ; Haloughton,
21 s, 2l6
Landmarks and boundaries (ancient),
47-53
Land-tenures. See " Caistor," " Ching-
ford," "Drengage," "Tenures,"
"Tutbury."
" Lawless hour " at Kidderminster, 221
Leaping, a game, 245
Leicestershire. See " Haloughton,"
" Hinckley."
Lemoine (H.), on Game of Skittles,
255, 256
Lemon-peel given to guests at funerals,
70
Lent, fasting in, 1 1
Lincoln, properties of a stage play
(temp. Eliz.), 82
Lincolnshire, old Christmas customs
and popular superstitions of, 28-33.
See " Caistor," " Nettleham,"
" Scopwick."
Lichfield Grammar School, barring-out
at, 165
Livy, game mentioned by, 258
Legating, game of, prohibited, 253
London, bear-baiting in Tothill Fields,
251; cries of, 13-15; game of
closing, 251; manners in, 13;
pageants, 103-153; sports, 245. See
" Paul's Stump."
Longueville (Viscountess), 262
Lord of Misrule festival, 91-95
Lort (Dr.), remarks on ancient
manners collected by, 6-9, 283
Lotheby Manor, custom at, 224
Macdonald (John), on custom at
Exeter, 207, 208
Malcolm (J. P.), on custom at Win-
chester, 239
Manners and Customs (Social), 1-181
Manorial customs : Cotteshulle, 200 ;
Eton, 207 ; Guildford, 213-215 ;
Lotheby, 224. See " Land," "Muni-
cipal," " Tenures."
Records of Dunmow, 202, 203
Marriage : bidding weddings, 180, 181 ;
breach of promise, 54 ; customs, 54-
69; Gretna Green, 212; Hereford-
shire, 28 ; Lincolnshire, 29 ; for
money, 7 ; proxy, 68 ; rubrick of
service, 54-57; Scotland, 15, 16.
See "Dunmow," "Wichnor."
Martin (John), on Custom at Tonge, 23 1
Master of the Revels, 78, 92
Masques, court, 103
May customs, Cornwall, 216-218
Mayor (J. E. B.), on Proxy Wedded,
68 ; on Game of Fox-in-the-Hole,
254
Mayor, customs at election of, Rand-
wic, 228-230; (mock), of Garrat
(Wamlsworth), 208, 209
Mayor (Lord) of London, pageants of
(iem/>. 1585-1708), 103-153
Maypoles (Herefordshire), 24 ••
Index.
299
" Mayster of the Game," old treatise
on hunting called, 159-164
Meals, times of taking in, Hereford-
shire, 16, 17; Monmouthshire, 180
Michaelmas Day, blossoming of Glas-
tonbury thorn on, 209-211
Middlesex. See " Harrow."
Middleton (Thomas), author of London
Pageants (1613), 106, 107; (1617),
108, 112; (1619), 109; (1621), 109;
(1626), 113
Mid-Lent Sunday customs, Hereford-
shire, 19, 25
Miles (William Augustus), on Land-
marks, 47-51
Millers riding at Hinckley, 219
Mills' Night Search (1640), 256
Minstrels, petition of the antient court
of (Tutbury), 231, 232
Misson's Memoires (1697), I, 12, 283
Misrule, Lord of, account of, 77, 78
Money, given to bride and bridegroom
by friends (Wales), 64, 66
Monmouthshire. See " Chepstow."
Montem festival at Eton, 203-207
Moon (new), omens drawn from, 31. 35
Moors, the (Salop), land called, tenure
of, 223
" More Sacks to the Mill," game of, 246
Morris (Lewis), on the Little Wedding,
66
Morris-dancing in Gloucestershire, 34,
35 ; Herefordshire, 24, 25 ; Wales,
79, 80 ; Woburn, 94
Mothering Sunday in Herefordshire,
25; Monmouthshire, 180
Munciay(A.), author of London Pageants
(1605), 105; (1611), 106; (1614),
107; (1615), 107; (1616), 108
Municipal customs at Alnwick, 190,
191 ; Exeter, 207, 208 ; Newcastle,
225, 226 ; Pamber, 226, 227 ; Rand-
wic, 220-230
Mystery Plays, 80-102, 286
N ash's Supplication to the Devil, 158, 292
Nettleham, annual wake at, 225
New Year's Day custom, Herefordshire,
20, 26 ; Wales, 80
Newcastle-on-Tyne, municipal custom
at, 225, 226
Newspaper (early), 2, 3
Nichols (John), on London Pageants,
J03-I53
Nine-holes, game called, 28
Nine-pins, game of, 253
" Northern Mother's Blessing to Her
Daughter," observations on old poem
called, 89
Oath by "Jis," 271
Oaths, custom of taking, 174-178
Oats used in Twelfth Day customs
(Ireland), 22
Oklswinford, pins found in coffins at, 181
Oliver (Geo.), on Customs, etc., of
Lancashire, 37-39 ; of Lincolnshire,
28'33. 36-37 ! on Ducking-stools,
51-53 ; on Custom at Great Grimsby,
211, 212
Omens (ill), Herefordshire, 21
Open air, courts held in, Pamber, 226,
227
Ormskirk Grammar School, barring-
out at, 166-173
Ovid, game mentioned by, 256-258
Oxen, custom of drinking to the (Here-
fordshire), 22, 23
Oxford, St. Scholastica's Day at, 226.
See "Barford."
Paganica, Roman game of, 250
Pageants (Lord Mayors') of London,
(temp. 1535-1708', 103-153, 286-292
Palm Sunday, cracking the gad-whip
on, in Caistor Church, 195-197
Pamber, wooden records of Court Leet
at, 226-227 > bees told of owner's
death, 227
Paper garlands and gloves used at
funerals, 38
Parliament of Love, festival called, 95-
102
" Parson has lost his Fuddling Cap,"
game of, 247
Paul's Stump, ancient custom observed
at, 222, 223
Pegge (Dr. S.). See "-Gemsage."
Peele (George), author of Pageant
(1585), 104 ; (1591), 105, 286
Penny weddings (Scotland), 15, 67
Pentalitha, game of, 249
Pigs, customs connected with (Here-
fordshire), 19
Pins, custom connected with (Hereford-
shire), 21 ; found in coffins (Worces-
tershire), 181
" Plough alms," custom called, 47
Pope of Fools, festival called, 84
Portuguese, custom of wearing spec-
tacles by, 9
Posies. See "Beechen Roundels."
" Potato " cry, 14
Poyle, manor of, tenure of, 213-215
300
Index.
Precedents, book of, 251
Prick (twelve shore), shooting at the, a
game, 245
Prince of Sots, festival called, 85
Proverbs, game of, 247
Proxy wedded, 68
" Puss in the Corner," game of, 247
Puttenham's Art of English. Poesie
dS89), 265
Putting the stone [pytchinge the Barre],
(temp. Eliz.), 245
Quainton, blossoming of Gastonbury
thorn at, 210
Quakers, account of (temp. 1697), 4
Questions and Commands, game of, 247
Race of kisses, wedding ceremony, 62
" Radishes" cry, 14
Kandwic, customs at election of mayor
at, 228-230
Redriff, bear-baiting at, 251
Religious sects (temp. 1697), 5, 6
Rhodes (Mr.), pageants sold at sale of,
149
Ribchester, hall at, 255
Ribbons (paper) used at funerals, 38, 71
Richmond (Surrey), hunting custom in,
230
Ring (silver), as cure for fits, 31 ; mar-
riage, superstition of, 29, 54, 56
Robin Hood play, prohibited by Parlia-
ment, 91
Robinson's The Way to Thrift, 8, 284
Roman games, 250
Rosemary (herb) blossoming on Christ-
mas Day, 35 ; used at Yorkshire
funerals, 70
Roye (Count de), epitaph of, 2
Roundels, beechen, 259-280, 293
Running, sport of (temp. Eliz.), 245
St. Andrew's, cat races at, 259
St. Anne's Day, fair held on, 51
St. Briaval's, Whitsuntide custom at,
230
St. Joseph of Arimathea at Glaston-
bury, 210
St. Scholastica's Day, custom at Oxford,
226
St. Thomas's Day customs (Hereford-
shire), 26
St. Valentine's Day, n, 12
Sale of books, 149
Salt Hill. See " Montem."
Sanctuary, ancient manner of taking,
for murder, in the Cinque Ports, 199
Sarum, figure of boy-bishop discovered
in, 86
Saturday, day for marrying in Cardigan,
62
Scabshew, Cumberland game, 250
School customs, barring-out, 164-173;
"Dulce Domum," sung at Winchester
and Winton, 235-240
Scopwick (Lincolnshire), village customs
in, 36
Scotby School, custom of barring-out
at, 165
Scotland, account of customs in, 15, 16;
festival of Abbot of Unreason in, 90 ;
eating live flesh in, 159 ; cat races in,
259
Seamen, customs among, crossing the
equator, 178-180
Settle (Elkanah), London Pageants
written by (1691), 141 ; (1692), 141 ;
(1693), 142; (1694), 142; (1695),
142 ; (1698) 147 ; (1699), 148 ;
(1700), 150; (1701), 150; (1702),
151; (1708), 151, 152
Servants, Christmas custom of giving
money to, by guessing names, 193
Sheaf of wheat, harvest custom, Devon-
shire, 45
Shepherds, customs among, 43-45
Ship, account of crossing the equator
on board a, 178-180
Shirefield Manor (Hampshire), tenure,
215
Shot-corn, custom called, 46, 47
Shooting games, 245
Shropshire. See " Albrighton,"
"Moors," "Tonge."
Similes, game of, 247, 248.
Sin-eating custom (Herefordshire), 27
Skinner's Well, stage plays acted at,
200
Skittles, game of, 255
" Soot-ho !" cry, 14
"Soul-shot," custom called, 47
Spectacles, custom of wearing among
Portuguese, 9
Spinning in Herefordshire, 19, 25
Stage play (temp. Eliz.), properties of
a, 82 ; in churches (temp. 1348), 156 ;
acted by parish clerks at Clerkeu-
well, 200
Staffordshire. See "Tutbury," "Wich-
nor."
Starch (yellow), bands used in dress, 7
Stew Poney, inn sign so called, 259
Sticks, origin of the custom of cutting
in the Exchequer, 223, 224.
Index.
301
Stockings, marriage customs connected
with (Lincolnshire), 30
Stocks, parish, 53, 54
Stones, casting of, on grave-mounds,
72, 73
Stoop (T. and R.), authors of work on
Shews and Pageants (1662), 122
Stubs' Anatomic of Abuses, 77, 285
Sundays, sports on, 245
Surrey. See " Guildford," " Lotheby,"
"Wandsworth," " Warlingham."
Swearing. See "Oaths."
Tables, game of, prohibited, 253
Tag, game of, 246
" Tally," wooden records of Court Leet
called, 226, 227
Tan hill, fair held on, 51
Tarthe, shooting at the, a game, 245
Tatham (J.), pageant written by (1657),
118 ; (1658), 119; (1659), 119;
(1660), 119, 120; (1661), 121, 153;
(1662), 122, 153 ; (1663), 123 ;
(1664 , 123
Taubman (Matthew), London Pageants
written by (1685), 136; (1686), 136;
(1687), 137; (1688), 138; (1689),
'39
Taylor (Water Poet), London Pageant
written by (1634), 114
Tennis, game of, prohibited, 253, 255
Tenure, land, cracking whip in Caistor
church, 195-197; homage paid for
land at Chingford, 198 ; " Drengage,"
185-190; cutting wand with bill-
hook (London), 223, 224 ; " Piper's
Meadow" (Tutbury), 231, 232. See
" Cotteshulle," " Dunmow," "Guild-
ford."
Terence, game mentioned by, 249
Thong Castor. See "Caistor."
Throwing the sledge, game of (temp.
Eliz.), 245
Thursday (Holy), observances on, II,
21
Tombs, decorating, wilh flowers and
garlands, 38, 40
Tonge, placing garlands on a monu-
ment in the church, 230 ; verses on
bell-ringing in, 231
Top-castle, game of, 256-258
Tothill fields, bear-baiting at, 251
Tottell, book printed by (1576), 251
Tracts published on Charles I.'s trium-
phant entry into London (1640),
115-117
Trees as boundaries and memorials,
191, 192
Trevisa (John), 9
"Trip or trivet," game of, 250
Tutbury, petition of the antient Court
of the Minstrels at, 231-232
Twelfth-day customs, 156; at court,
II ; in Herefordshire, 22
Unett (R.W.), on custom at'Ashton, 193
Vessel cup, chest called, carried by
carol singers, 28, 29
Village customs at Clee, 37-39 ; at
Scopwick, 36, 37
Wages of peasantry in Herefordshire,
17
Waits at Christmas time, 154
Wakes, 94 ; annual village, at Clee, 37
Wales, customs in, similar to those in
Greece, 42 ; morris dance in, 79, 80 ;
bidding weddings held in, 180, 181.
See " Cardigan."
Wandsworth, election of "Mayor of
Garrat " at, 208, 209
Warlingham, beating apple- trees at, 233
Warwick. See " Birmingham."
Wassailing-bowl, Herefordshire, 24
" Watercresses" cry, 14
Watkins (Rev. Mr.), letter from, 73
Webster (John), author of London
Pageants (1624), no
Wedding ceremonies, 54-69; (Little),
custom called, in Wales, 66. See
" Marriage," " Bride."
Wells (Holy), Welch, 21
Westminster, officer called king's cock-
crower at, 241
Westmoreland, custom in, Barring-
out, 165
Whatton (W. R.), on tenure of Dren-
gage, 185-190
Wheat, custom of picking cockle from
the, Herefordshire, 23, 24
Whip (gad), cracking the, in Caistor
church, 195-197
Whipping the cat, game of, 258, 259
Whitsuntide customs, in Gloucester-
shire, 34; in Herefordshire, 18, 25 ;
St. Briavals, 230; pageant at Hinck-
ley, 218-220
Whores, custom of presenting king
with, 200, 213-215, 224
Wichnor, custom of giving flitch of
bacon at, after year of marriage,
233-235
302
Index.
Wickenden (W. S.), on customs of
Forest of Dean, 34, 35
Wicken-tree, preventive "against witch-
craft, 31
William and Mary, London pageants
during reign of, 139-143
William III., London pageants during
reign of, 143-150
Winchester school, song of " Dulce
Domum " sung at, 235-240
Wine (salver), origin of term, J
Winton, St. Mary's College, "Dulce
Domum " sung at, 238
Witchcraft, preventives against (Lin-
colnshire), 31, 33; belief in, Forest
of Dean, 35
Witches, egg-shells used for boats by, 33
Wolverhampton, inn sign at, 259
Women, ill-omen to meet, 21
Wood, records of courts written on,
called "Tally," 226, 227
Worcestershire. See "Kidderminster,"
"Oldswinford."
Wrestling (temp. Eliz.), 245
Yorkshire funeral customs, 70. See
" Grimsby."
Yule-cake and Logs, customs connected
with, Lincolnshire, 29
Elliot Stock, Paternoilcr Row, lj»iilon.
Elliot Stock's Antiquarian Publications.
Religio Medici.
By SIR THOMAS BROWNE, Physician. Being a facsimile reproduction of the First
Edition published in 1642, with an Introduction by Dr. GREENHILL, Hastings.
Five hundred copies only will be printed, and supplied to Subscribers at 45. each,
before the date of publication, after which the price will be raised to 6s., should any
copies remain unsold.
Fifty targe paper copies will also be printed in foolscap 410 size, on handmade paper,
and will be numbered and apportioned in the order of application, to Subscribers at
155. each ; after publication these will be zis.
A full prospectus will be forwarded post free on application.
First issue now ready, 3 vols., bound in Roxburgh, price 361.
THE ANTIQUARY'S LIBRARY.
VOL. I. Folk- Lore Relics of Early Village Life.
By G. L. GOMME.
VOL. 1 1. The Game and Playe of the Chesse. By
CAXTON. Edited by W. E. A. AXON.
VOL. III. The History of Fairs, Ancient and Modern.
By CORNELIUS WALFORD.
In crown 8vo, Contemporary binding, price los. 6d. , post free.
THE LIFE AND STRANGE SURPRISING ADVENTURES OF
Robinson Crusoe,
Of York, Mariner. Being a facsimile reproduction of the First Edition, published in
1719, with the curious frontispiece, and a preface by AUSTIN DOBSON.
In crown 8fO, 6s. ; old style calf , ioi. 6d. ; antique morocco, £i is. Large paper copies,
Roxburgh binding, £i is. ; antique Turkey morocco, £2 los.
Walton s Compleat Angler ;
Or, The Contemplative Man's Recreation. A Reprint of the First Edition, pub. in 1653.
In crown 8vo, old style binding, price y., post free.
George Herbert's Temple.
Sacred Poems and Private Ejaculations. By GEORGE HERBERT, late Oratour of the
Universitie of Cambridge.
This facsimile is made from one of about twenty copies which were struck off for
presentation to Herbert's friends, in 1633, before the issue to the public of the first
published edition. Reproduced from Mr. Huth's copy.
In small 4/0, antique binding, price ior. 6d. , post free. Large paper copies, sis.
Milton s Paradise Lost.
A facsimile Reproduction of the First Edition of 1667. With an Introduction by
DAVID MASSON, M.A., LL.D., Author of the " Life of Milton," etc.
In crown 8vo boards, or old style binding, price y. 6d., post free.
Bunyans Pilgrim s Progress.
Being a. facsimile Reproduction of the First Edition, published in 1678.
ELLIOT STOCK : 62, PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, B.C.
Elliot Stock's Antiquarian Publications.
Printed on rdugh handmade paper, similar to that of the original, and bound in hand-
some contemporary vellum binding, price -£2 zs.
The Boke of St. Albaris.
By Dame JULIANA BERNERS. Containing the Treatises on Hawking, Hunting, and
Heraldry,
Printed at St. Alban's, by the Schoolmaster-Printer, in 1486. With an Introduction
by WILLIAM BLADES, Author of the " Life and Typography of Caxton." This/w-
iimile is faithfully reproduced by photography. The interest and value of this repro-
duction are greatly enhanced by Mr. Blades' Preface, which treats at length, in separate
chapters, of the Authorship, Typography, Bibliography, Subject-matter, and Philology
of the Workj
Companion Volume to ' ' The Boke of Saint Alban's. " The First English Book on Fishing.
Now ready, in demy ^to, printed on handmade paper, bound in antique vellum, price i8j.
The Treaty se of Fysshynge wyth an Angle.
By Dame JULIANA BF.RNERS. A facsimile reproduction of the First Edition, printed
by Wynkyn de Worde, at Westminster, in 1496. With an Introduction by the
Rev. M. G. WATKINS.
The extreme rarity of this work, and the great interest taken in it by connoisseurs, has
suggested to the Publisher the advisability of producing a facsimile reprint for the use
of those Collectors and Anglers who can never hope to possess the almost priceless
original. The present facsimile is reproduced from a copy of the original edition in
the British Museum, by means of photography, and consequently renders every pecu-
liarity of the original in faithful detail : the rude IlKjstrations which adorned the first
edition of this " lytyll plaunflet " are here given in all Weir quaint roughness. The work
is printed on handmade paper of the same texture and colour as that on which the first
edition appeared, and the binding is of contemporary pattern and material, so that the
reader of to-day in handling this volume can realise the form and appearance of the
original, which must have delighted the eyes of those who studied " treatyses perteyne-
ynge to dyuers playsaunt matters belongynge vnto noblesse."
In crown 8vo, old style binding, price y. , post free.
Some Passages of ike Life and Death of the Right
Hon. John, Earl of Rochester.
Who died on the a6th July, 1680.
Written by his own direction on his deathbed. By GILBF.RT BURNr.T, D D. Reprinted
in facsimile from the Edition of 1680. With an Introductory Preface by Loid
RONALD GOWER, and Portrait.
In small 4/0, vellum, price 171. 6d. , post free.
A Ballade of the Scottysshe *Kynge.
Written by JOHN SKF.LTON, Poet Laureate to King Henry VIII. Reproduced in
facsimile, with an Historical and Bibliographical Introduction by JOHN ASHTON.
THE BALLADE OF THE SCOTTYSSHE KYNGE is the earliest known printed English
ballad ; it was discovered under curious and interesting circumstances, which are
narrated in detail in the Introduction, and is here very carefully facsimiled. A limited
number of copies were issued in a tnsteful form for those collectors of ballads and con-
noisseurs of early printing who desire to possess the work in the nearest shape to its
original form. It is accompanied by an Historical and Bibliographical Introduction,
giving an account of the various printed forms of the incidents it records, with Illustra-
tive Quotations from the more important of them ; also Notes from Contemporary
History, elucidating the events of the Ballad, and other information interesting to the
Antiquary and the Bibliographer.
ELLIOT STOCK : 62, PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, E.G.
PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE
CARDS OR SLIPS FROM THIS POCKET
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO LIBRARY
Live Music
Archive
Librivox
Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland
Museum of Art
Internet
Arcade
Console Living Room
Open Library
American
Libraries
TV News
Understanding
9/11